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SHARJAH / WAM
The aviation and tourism industry in the Middle East is set to be a driving force for the region’s economy, according to the 6th Arab Aviation Summit’s white paper report released on Monday.
The region is expected to deliver a 5 percent growth, and connect an extra 258 million passengers to and from its airports by 2035. As such, the market size has the potential to reach 414 million passengers over the next two decades.
Due to its unique geographical location, and the advantages brought forth by world-class upgrades to airport infrastructure, the predicted growth for the Middle East region will continue to boost the regional economy, leading to an increase in job opportunities across a multitude of sectors, and a further increase in indirect employment in local markets. According to the International Air Transport Association, IATA, 2016 witnessed over 3.8 billion travellers taking to the skies, a figure which is forecast to reach 4 billion in 2017.