ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the rising importance of the air transport systems of Middle East nations. Six of these countries are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which represents the economic engine in the region: Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Despite the challenges faced by the global air transport industry (high oil prices, global financial recession), the Middle East aviation market has recorded outstanding overall traffic growth rates and diversification over the past years. The market is largely headed by the ‘Big Three’ Airlines: Emirates, Qatar, and Etihad. This chapter evaluates recent aviation growth by assessing the main carriers’ business models, network and hub geography, major markets, main airports (e.g. Dubai, Jeddah and Doha), and socio-historical and political factors within the region. It finds that changes in the global economy, regional migration patterns, and strong national investment are magnifying the importance of the region as a global hub and local destination, though challenges remain.
