Infographic: The strength of UAE aviation

From a record 95.2 million passengers at Dubai International Airport in 2025 to a full reopening of UAE airspace within 63 days of the 2026 regional disruption, UAE aviation has shown why it is one of the country’s most dependable economic assets.

A multi-airport network spanning Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, fast and coordinated action from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and fleet depth across four national carriers allowed the sector to move from full suspension to 96% network recovery, with forward bookings now surpassing 2025 levels.

This infographic tracks the recovery timeline, airport-by-airport performance and the six structural pillars behind the sector’s strength, alongside the economic value it underpins: a $92bn contribution to the UAE economy and close to one million jobs supported.

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The future of Gulf aviation

Gulf aviation is showing remarkable resilience, with the region’s carriers and governments pressing ahead with ambitious expansion plans and major airport investments. This issue explores the momentum building across aviation, tourism and the wider projects market, alongside the growing opportunities emerging in the region.