The Cairo–Riyadh (CAI–RUH) route remains one of the region’s most competitive corridors with eight carriers operating.

Latest Analysis

The recent report from OAG, titled Middle East Skies: A New Era of Competition, Capacity and Growth, reveals that the Middle East aviation market has expanded by 5% since 2019. This growth gives it the title of the second-fastest growing region globally, trailing only South Asia, which is at 12%. This increase is powered by a strong mix of expanding Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) and the capacity of Legacy Carriers.

Filip Filipov, COO of OAG commented:

“The Middle East region’s strategic position as a global hub, coupled with the dynamic expansion of both low-cost and network carriers, is driving unprecedented opportunities. This vibrant market is setting the stage for future advancements in aviation technology and passenger experience, and we at OAG are thrilled to support this evolution.”
OAG’s commitment to this growth reflects their belief in the exciting future of the aviation sector.

Major Players

Both Emirates and Qatar Airways have ranked among the 2024 Top 20 Global Airlines by Capacity and in the Top 10 by Available Seat Kilometers. These three carriers operate a collective total of 127 million departing seats in 2024.

Low-Cost Carriers Reshaping the Market

The standout story is flynas, reporting a 63% increase in capacity for 2024 compared to 2019, making it the fastest-growing airline in the region. This is closely followed by flydubai with a 56% increase, both achieving nearly 14.4 million departing seats each.

LCCs now account for 29% of all Middle East capacity, up from 13% in 2014, with an average annual growth of 11.5% over the past decade, significantly outpacing traditional carriers.

Key Trends

Egypt dominates the LCC routes within the growing African market:

• 96% of flyadeal’s African capacity targets Egypt
• 81% of flynas’s African capacity directs to Egypt
• 73% of Air Arabia’s Middle East–Africa capacity is allocated to Egypt

Full-service and legacy carriers heavily rely on connecting traffic:

• 84% of Qatar Airways passengers
• 77% for Etihad
• 66% for Emirates

Competitive Hotspots

The Cairo–Riyadh (CAI–RUH) route is touted as a focal point of competition, along with the Dubai-Riyadh (DXB-RUH) and Cairo-Jeddah (CAI-JED) routes. In contrast, the market between Dubai and Heathrow (DXB-LHR) is more concentrated, with only four airlines competing.