ACI: Middle East and Asia-Pacific Air Connectivity Grew in 2025

ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East reported that air connectivity in the Middle East grew by 21 percent in 2025, driven by expanding Gulf carriers. Connectivity in Asia-Pacific rose 10 percent. Combined average growth across the two regions was 11 percent.

The organization said the growth reflects expanding international networks, stronger hub connectivity, and continued recovery of city pairs. It noted that future focus will be on ensuring airport capacity, airspace, infrastructure, and policy keep pace.

Dubai International Airport ranked first for air connectivity in 2025. Shanghai Pudong and Incheon followed, with Guangzhou Baiyun fourth, then Hamad, Singapore Changi, Beijing Capital, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Tokyo Haneda, and Hong Kong. The strongest improvements were Shanghai Pudong at 32 percent, Kuala Lumpur at 30 percent, and Hong Kong at 28 percent.

ACI reported that 2026 has been complex due to geopolitical instability and economic challenges. Despite economic shocks from conflicts and US trade policy, Asia-Pacific direct connectivity grew 0.5 percent in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Middle East connectivity contracted sharply by 23 percent as conflict forced airlines to cut schedules and reroute around affected airspace.