Inter-GCC air travel has surged in recent years, driven by the phenomenon of "revenge travel," as restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic ease.
Among the most notable growth stories is the Dubai-Riyadh route, which has secured its place as one of the top 10 busiest routes globally for 2024. According to OAG, a UK-based global travel data provider, the Dubai-Riyadh route ranked sixth worldwide, with 4.306 million seats – an 8% increase from the previous year and a remarkable 34% higher than in 2019.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia have capitalized on this trend by boosting air traffic frequency to meet the rising demand. Both nations are actively promoting tourism, with Dubai maintaining its position as a regional tourism hub, while Saudi Arabia showcases emerging destinations like Neom and Al Ula.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is benefiting from this increase in traffic, with officials predicting a record-breaking year in 2024. CEO Paul Griffiths highlighted DXB’s resilience and ongoing investments in customer service and technology, ensuring the airport remains a leader in hospitality.
Globally, Asia dominates the list of the world’s top 10 busiest routes, with seven routes in total. Other routes include Cairo-Jeddah, Seoul-Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur-Singapore. The Dubai-Riyadh route, with its significant traffic, underscores the growing importance of inter-GCC travel as both regions work to strengthen tourism ties and promote their cultural and business offerings.
News Source: Khaleej Times
