Saudi Arabia’s tourist accommodation facility management sector recorded significant growth in commercial registrations, with the total rising 29 percent year-on-year by the end of the third quarter of 2026, the Ministry of Commerce reported.

The Kingdom had 20,560 active registrations in the sector at the end of September, an increase of 4,595 from the 15,965 recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

Makkah led the country’s regions with 8,075 active commercial registrations, followed by Riyadh with 7,110 and Madinah with 1,988.

The Eastern Province ranked fourth with 1,456 registrations, while Asir completed the list of the five regions with the highest number of active registrations.

Source: Saudi Gazette

Turkey is waiting for Qatar to provide a draft sales contract and a proposed training programme for the potential transfer of additional Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, the Turkish Defence Ministry said on Thursday.

Turkey and the United Kingdom, both NATO members, signed an agreement last year for the purchase of 20 Typhoon aircraft. The deal aims to strengthen defence ties between the two countries and improve Turkey’s air defence capabilities.

Ankara has also expressed interest in acquiring 24 additional aircraft from Qatar and Oman, although progress on the proposed purchases has remained limited.

Under the agreement with Britain, Qatar and Oman are permitted to transfer some of their existing Typhoon aircraft to Turkey, subject to separate sales contracts.

Speaking at its weekly press briefing, the Turkish Defence Ministry said negotiations over the additional aircraft were continuing. Turkish and Qatari delegations held discussions in August and September on technical and logistical arrangements, including the number of aircraft and ammunition to be acquired, as well as training for pilots and maintenance personnel.

The ministry said Qatar was expected to prepare and send Turkey a draft training programme and a sales contract.

Separately, Turkey signed an agreement with Qatar, Pakistan and Indonesia on Wednesday to expand defence cooperation and strengthen their military capabilities. The arrangement includes cooperation on the joint development and production of defence equipment.

The Turkish Defence Ministry also said the country’s defence budget had been increased for 2027 to support ongoing domestic defence industry programmes. These include air defence systems, military platforms, the development of Turkey’s indigenous KAAN fighter jet, drone technology and shipbuilding.

Source: Reuters News

An estimated 117,000 air passengers in Oman may be entitled to compensation for flight delays, cancellations and denied boarding, but many could be missing out on payments worth millions of euros, according to an analysis by AirHelp.

The online passenger rights service examined flights covered by Oman's Passenger Rights Protection Regulation between September 2025 and August 2026. It said eligible passengers could collectively claim substantial sums from airlines.

Introduced by the Civil Aviation Authority in 2024, the regulation establishes compensation and assistance requirements for affected travellers, with compensation levels comparable to those under Europe's EC 261 framework.

Despite these protections, AirHelp's research indicates that 79 percent of passengers in markets with established passenger rights rules do not understand their entitlements.

“Oman has given passengers real protection when flights go wrong, making it a global leader in air passenger rights,” said Eric Napoli, chief legal officer at AirHelp. He added that passengers could receive up to RO260 following qualifying disruptions and urged travellers to understand and exercise their rights.

The regulation covers all flights departing from Oman, as well as inbound flights operated by Omani airlines, including Oman Air and SalamAir.

On international routes, compensation may be available when passengers arrive at their final destination more than six hours late, when flights are cancelled less than 14 days before departure, or when travellers are involuntarily denied boarding, including because of overbooking.

Compensation amounts depend on flight distance. Passengers may qualify for RO108 on routes shorter than 1,500 kilometres, RO173 for journeys between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres, and RO260 for flights exceeding 3,500 kilometres. Popular services from Muscat to London, Paris and Frankfurt fall within the highest compensation category.

However, airlines are exempt from paying compensation when disruptions result from force majeure. They may also avoid compensation obligations if passengers are rerouted and reach their destination less than two hours behind schedule.

The rules also require airlines to provide assistance to stranded passengers. Refreshments must be offered after two hours, meals after three hours, and hotel accommodation with transport after six hours. Airlines that fail to provide the required assistance must compensate affected passengers instead.

Additional safeguards apply to passengers with reduced mobility, who are entitled to free assistance and cannot be refused carriage without a valid safety-related reason.

Passengers generally have two years to submit compensation claims under the regulation.

Source: Muscat Daily

Dubai International Airport (DXB) celebrates its 66th anniversary on September 30, 2026, marking a transformation from a small airfield into one of the world’s leading hubs for international passenger traffic.

Since opening in 1960 with a 1,800-metre sand runway and a modest terminal, the airport has undergone decades of expansion to accommodate larger aircraft, rising passenger demand and an increasingly extensive global route network. By September 2026, cumulative passenger numbers had exceeded 1.5 billion, according to an announcement by Dubai Airports during a Dubai government media briefing.

The airport’s development has closely tracked Dubai’s economic transformation, with expanding air connectivity supporting the emirate’s growth in tourism, trade, logistics and international investment.

From a sand runway to modern aviation infrastructure

The foundations of modern Dubai International Airport were laid in 1959, when the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum ordered the construction of a new airport for the emirate.

When the facility officially opened on September 30, 1960, it featured a 1,800-metre compacted-sand runway, an aircraft apron, a small passenger terminal and a fire station. Initially designed for smaller aircraft, the airport gradually expanded as demand for air travel increased.

Aviation had already been part of Dubai’s transport landscape, with seaplanes accounting for much of the emirate’s earlier air traffic. The development of scheduled air services created a need for infrastructure capable of accommodating larger aircraft and more passengers.

A major breakthrough came in May 1965, when a nearly 2,800-metre asphalt runway entered service. The upgrade enabled larger aircraft and jetliners to operate at the airport. Comet aircraft operated by Middle East Airlines and Kuwait Airways were among those arriving during this period.

The new runway marked a turning point, positioning the airport to support Dubai’s expanding international connections and economic ambitions.

Emirates and flydubai accelerate connectivity

Dubai’s rapid economic expansion during the 1970s and 1980s drove further investment in airport infrastructure and flight capacity. The airport increasingly supported the emirate’s development as a centre for trade and re-export.

The launch of Emirates in 1985 opened another chapter in DXB’s growth. The airline built an extensive international network from Dubai, strengthening the airport’s role as a connecting hub between global markets.

flydubai, which began operations in 2009, further expanded links with regional and international destinations.

The opening of Terminal 3 in 2008, dedicated to Emirates, represented another major investment in passenger-handling capacity. More broadly, the airport’s business model evolved beyond serving arriving and departing flights to facilitating connections between countries, airlines and markets.

A decade at the top of international passenger traffic

Dubai International Airport reached a significant global milestone in 2014, when it became the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic, handling 70.4 million passengers.

DXB retained its leading position over the following decade. In 2024, it marked 10 consecutive years at the top of the international passenger traffic rankings, recording 92.3 million passengers, up 6.1% from 2023.

Over that decade, the airport handled more than 700 million passengers across over 3.3 million flights.

Traffic continued to climb in 2025, when DXB welcomed a record 95.2 million passengers, an increase of 3.1% year on year. The airport described the figure as the highest annual international passenger traffic recorded by any airport worldwide. Aircraft movements reached approximately 454,800 during the year.

Cumulative passenger numbers surpass 1.5 billion

DXB’s long-term growth is also reflected in its cumulative passenger figures.

At its 60th anniversary in 2020, the airport had handled 1.115 billion passengers across more than 7.47 million flights since opening. Its network connected more than 240 destinations in 95 countries.

By September 2026, cumulative passenger numbers had surpassed 1.5 billion. That represents an increase of approximately 385 million passengers in six years, despite significant challenges facing the global aviation industry during the period.

The airport’s historical milestones also illustrate the pace of its expansion. It took 51 years to serve its first 500 million passengers, while the cumulative total reached one billion after a further seven years, according to the historical sequence cited in the source material.

2026 growth amid regional challenges

DXB continued to handle substantial passenger volumes in 2026, despite difficult operating conditions affecting regional air traffic during the first half of the year.

The airport welcomed 31.5 million passengers during the first six months. Traffic recovered gradually in the second quarter as airlines restored some capacity, with monthly passenger numbers rising from 3.5 million in April to 4.5 million in May and five million in June.

Dubai Airports Chief Executive Officer Paul Griffiths said in September that DXB was projected to handle around 70 million passengers in 2026. He also indicated that annual traffic could reach 100 million by the end of 2027 as airlines rebuild their operational capacity.

Aviation’s wider contribution to Dubai’s economy

DXB’s importance extends well beyond passenger movements. Aviation has become a major contributor to Dubai’s economic activity, supporting tourism, trade, logistics and employment.

A study by Oxford Economics, commissioned by the Emirates Group and Dubai Airports, found that aviation contributed 27% of Dubai’s gross domestic product in 2023. The sector generated AED 137 billion in total added value and supported 631,000 jobs.

The study projected that aviation-related activities would contribute AED 196 billion by 2030, equivalent to 32% of Dubai’s projected GDP at 2023 prices. Employment supported by the sector was forecast to reach 816,000, an increase of 185,000 jobs compared with 2023.

These figures underline the role of aviation as an integral part of Dubai’s wider economic system rather than simply a means of transporting passengers.

Air cargo strengthens Dubai’s global trade links

Freight operations form another important part of Dubai’s aviation network, supported by the emirate’s geographic position, ports, free zones and integrated transport infrastructure.

In 2024, DXB handled approximately 2.2 million tonnes of air cargo, up 20.5% from 1.8 million tonnes in 2023.

The increase reflects the airport’s role in moving high-value goods and time-sensitive shipments. Its links with sea and land transport also support Dubai’s wider logistics and re-export activities.

Smart technology reshapes the passenger journey

DXB is increasingly using digital systems to streamline airport procedures and improve the passenger experience, from arrival formalities to departure.

During the first half of 2026, more than 9.4 million passengers used smart travel services at Dubai airports, including smart gates and the Red Carpet service.

Approximately 9.02 million travellers completed procedures through smart gates, while more than 439,000 used the Red Carpet service.

Supported by artificial intelligence and biometric technology, the service has reduced average processing time for crossing procedures from 12.5 seconds to 3.4 seconds. The system can process up to 10 travellers simultaneously.

These developments reflect a broader shift towards biometric identification, reduced reliance on paper documents and fewer interruptions during airport processing.

Al Maktoum International Airport prepares for future demand

As DXB marks 66 years of operations, Dubai is also developing its next major aviation gateway at Dubai World Central, home to Al Maktoum International Airport.

In 2024, Dubai approved a second phase of the airport’s expansion, backed by an investment of $35 billion. The plan aims to provide capacity for 150 million passengers annually over the next decade, with the ultimate objective of accommodating more than 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo each year.

The final development plans include five runways, four concourse buildings and more than 400 aircraft gates. They also provide for an automated passenger transport system and integrated connections with the city’s road, metro and air transport networks.

In June 2026, the Dubai government confirmed that major project packages remained under implementation. These include the West Terminal, Concourse 4, the automated passenger transport system and the baggage-handling system, indicating progress beyond the initial planning stage.

Key milestones in DXB’s history

• 1959: Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum orders construction of a new airport for Dubai.

• 1960: DXB opens on September 30 with a 1,800-metre sand runway and a small terminal.

• 1965: A nearly 2,800-metre asphalt runway enters service.

• 1983: Dubai Duty Free opens.

• 1985: Emirates begins operations.

• 1988: Annual passenger traffic reaches 4.3 million.

• 1998: Passenger traffic exceeds 9.7 million, and Terminal 2 opens.

• 2000: Concourse C opens, raising annual capacity to 23 million passengers.

• 2008: Terminal 3 opens, increasing annual capacity to 60 million passengers.

• 2009: Passenger traffic exceeds 40.9 million, and flydubai begins operations.

• 2013: Concourse A, dedicated to A380 aircraft, opens.

• 2014: DXB handles 70.4 million passengers and becomes the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic.

• 2018: The airport welcomes its one-billionth international passenger since opening.

• 2019: Passenger traffic reaches 86.4 million.

• 2025: DXB records 95.2 million passengers, its busiest year on record.

• 2026: Cumulative passenger numbers surpass 1.5 billion.

From a sand runway in 1960 to a record 95.2 million passengers in 2025, Dubai International Airport’s history mirrors the emirate’s transformation into a major global centre for business and travel.

After 66 years, DXB remains central to Dubai’s international connectivity, while investment in technology, capacity and integrated transport systems is shaping the next stage of development. As Al Maktoum International Airport advances, Dubai is preparing for further growth in passenger traffic, cargo operations and global aviation links.

Source: Emirates 247

Airport design, digital innovation and passenger experience took centre stage at the 13th Global Airport Leaders’ Forum (GALF), held alongside the 25th Airport Show at Dubai World Trade Centre.

The event brought together government representatives, aviation specialists and technology providers to examine emerging solutions for improving airport efficiency, strengthening operational resilience and preparing infrastructure for future demand.

Discussions focused on Dubai’s aviation development plans, closer cooperation across the airport ecosystem, and the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI), biometrics and digital identity in simplifying passenger journeys.

Dubai Puts Passenger Experience at the Centre of Airport Planning

Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, said Dubai’s ambition to develop the world’s largest airport involves more than increasing infrastructure capacity. Improving the passenger experience remains a central consideration in its development strategy.

He stressed the need for adaptable airport designs that can accommodate emerging technologies and respond to changing industry requirements.

Al Zaffin described the Airport Show as an important meeting point for airport developers, technology companies and operational specialists to share expertise and assess new solutions.

Reflecting on the exhibition’s establishment 25 years ago, he said its original purpose was to bring airport technologies together in one location, allowing industry professionals to explore innovations without travelling to multiple countries.

He added that the initiative has delivered benefits for Dubai and the wider region. Continued support for the event remains important as rapid technological advances increase the need for infrastructure capable of incorporating new solutions over time.

Collaboration and Resilience Shape Aviation Priorities

Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, identified collaboration, operational resilience and innovation as key priorities for the aviation sector.

He said passengers view their airport experience as a single, continuous journey rather than a collection of separate services. Improving capacity and service quality therefore requires stakeholders to coordinate their activities, establish common objectives and develop trust.

Cooperation becomes particularly important during operational disruptions, he noted, when effective responses depend on clear leadership, teamwork, established relationships and lessons from previous incidents.

Al Joker also highlighted the potential of intelligent systems to identify emerging challenges and help airports address them before they affect passengers. However, he stressed that technology investments should produce measurable benefits, including more reliable, efficient and straightforward journeys.

Workforce development is another essential element, he added. Employees must be equipped with the expertise and decision-making skills needed to turn technological capabilities into better passenger services.

City Terminal Trial Cuts Journey Time by Around 60%

Abdullah Al Shamsi, Senior Manager of Future of Things at Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), outlined a vision for airport innovation by 2032, in which technology works largely behind the scenes to make travel simpler.

He argued that the most advanced airport may not be the one where passengers see the most technology, but the one where technology makes the journey easier without drawing attention to itself.

The approach combines AI, digital identity, biometrics and real-time data analytics to anticipate congestion, improve resource allocation and deliver personalised information and assistance. It also recognises the differing requirements of business travellers, families, transit passengers and Persons of Determination.

Al Shamsi presented findings from the ‘City Terminal’ pilot project, which aims to extend airport services to urban locations so passengers can complete key travel procedures before arriving at the airport.

The trial included check-in, baggage drop-off, security screening and passport control outside the airport. Passengers were then transported in secure vehicles directly to the airport concourse, extending the concept beyond conventional city check-in facilities.

According to Al Shamsi, the process reduced total journey time from at least 120 minutes to approximately 45 minutes, a reduction of around 60%.

He said the findings demonstrate how airport procedures could be redesigned, challenging traditional assumptions about where the passenger journey begins.

Al Maktoum International Airport Offers Opportunity for New Design

Al Shamsi said the Al Maktoum International Airport project provides an opportunity to integrate infrastructure, technology and passenger services from the beginning rather than retrofitting new systems into existing facilities.

Building flexibility into the airport’s underlying design would help it accommodate emerging technologies, evolving operating models and changing passenger expectations.

“Our ambition is not to build an airport with more technology, but an airport that becomes better because of technology,” he said.

Dubai Seeks Stronger Aviation Connectivity

Khalid Ibrahim Saif, Director of Aviation Economics and Growth at the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), called for a broader approach to aviation development that moves beyond responding to operational disruptions and focuses on sustainable growth and stronger connectivity.

He said rising air travel demand requires economic growth to be matched by infrastructure investment and improvements in operational efficiency.

Saif also emphasised closer coordination between airports, airlines and regulatory authorities, supported by smart technologies and data-driven decisions.

Greater integration, he said, would help build a more resilient aviation sector capable of responding to future challenges, maintaining competitiveness and improving the passenger experience.

The forum highlighted a common priority among aviation leaders: combining adaptable infrastructure, intelligent technology and coordinated operations to accommodate growing passenger demand while making air travel more efficient, accessible and seamless.

Source: TradeArabia

Frankfurt Airport recorded 6.1 million passengers in September 2026, marking a 1.6% increase compared with the same month last year. Continued school holidays in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg supported leisure travel demand, contributing to the monthly growth.

Across airports managed by Fraport, passenger traffic increased by 2.7% to approximately 21.1 million during the month.

Despite September’s improvement, Frankfurt Airport handled around 47.5 million passengers between January and September, down 0.2% year on year. Fraport reported that Lufthansa strikes affected nearly 700,000 passengers over the period. Without the disruption, passenger traffic would have increased by approximately 1.3%, the airport operator said.

Cargo performance also improved in September, with throughput rising 2.5% to 174,773 tonnes. However, aircraft movements declined 3.5% to 40,539. Domestic flight activity recorded a sharper contraction of 25.2%, partly reflecting the suspension of services to Bremen and Stuttgart.

Most international airports in Fraport’s portfolio reported passenger growth. Ljubljana Airport recorded the strongest increase, with traffic rising 16.6%, followed by Lima at 10.5%. The combined passenger numbers for Burgas and Varna grew 8.6%, while Fraport’s 14 Greek airports collectively registered a 4.2% increase.

Airports in Fortaleza and Porto Alegre, Brazil, recorded combined growth of 2.1%. Meanwhile, Jericoacoara Airport appeared in Fraport’s traffic statistics for the first time, contributing 27,272 passengers.

In contrast, Antalya Airport in Türkiye recorded a 1.7% decline in passenger traffic, handling approximately 5.1 million passengers during September.

Source: Aviation24.be