Saudi Aviation Chief Calls for Regional Coordination as Middle East Passenger Traffic Falls 20%
DOHA, October 27 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Saudi Arabia’s aviation regulator called for closer regional coordination and stronger emergency planning as passenger traffic in the Middle East fell approximately 20% in the first eight months of 2026.
General Authority of Civil Aviation President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej cited International Air Transport Association data for the January–August decline compared with the same period a year earlier. He said regional developments had affected flight operations, passenger demand and airline capacity.
Speaking at the Eighth Meeting of the Directors General of Civil Aviation – Middle East Region in Doha, Al-Duailej urged countries to share operational information and strengthen emergency preparedness and business continuity plans to protect air traffic safety and improve the sector’s response to crises.
Saudi Arabia had activated contingency plans and drawn on its different transport networks to provide alternative routes and travel options, he said.
Participating countries condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi airports, saying they had targeted civilians and disrupted air transport. They expressed solidarity with the Kingdom and support for measures to protect its security and the safety of its citizens.
The International Civil Aviation Organization and the Arab Civil Aviation Organization also issued separate statements condemning sabotage targeting Saudi airports over the past week.
Al-Duailej said Saudi airports handled more than 140 million passengers in 2025 and that the Kingdom’s international network had expanded to 176 destinations. He linked those figures to the Aviation Program under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
He also called for countries to pool resources through regional safety oversight organizations, highlighting Saudi cooperation with member states to strengthen the Middle East and North Africa Regional Safety Oversight Organization.
The meeting runs from October 26 to 28, bringing together civil aviation officials and representatives of international and regional organizations.
Source: SPA.
