Airports and the air connectivity they facilitate supported 23.3 million jobs and contributed $244 billion to the economies of ASEAN member states in 2025, according to a new study by Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID).

The report, titled Strengthening the ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASAM) for Greater Connectivity within and beyond ASEAN, provides a comprehensive assessment of the economic contribution of airports across the region. It examines aviation’s role in supporting trade, tourism, investment and employment, while identifying infrastructure, policy and connectivity challenges that could constrain the development of the ASEAN Single Aviation Market.

Airport-related activity alone generated $55 billion in GDP and supported 1.6 million jobs across ASEAN in 2025. This figure includes direct airport operations, supply-chain activity and household spending linked to the sector.

The aviation ecosystem also generated an estimated $36 billion in government tax revenues, including $8 billion directly from airport activity and another $28 billion through its wider economic impact across the 11 ASEAN states.

The study highlights the substantial expansion of regional air connectivity since ASAM was introduced. Direct connectivity between ASEAN countries increased by 358% from 2004 to 2025, with the resulting expansion associated with approximately $50.6 billion in GDP and six million jobs.

Almost every ASEAN member state recorded at least a doubling of scheduled seat capacity over the same period. Much of the intra-ASEAN expansion occurred between 2010 and 2015, coinciding with the signing of several protocols linked to ASAM.

Low-cost carriers have also become increasingly important to regional connectivity. They accounted for 51% of intra-ASEAN seats in 2025, compared with 29% in 2008, helping make air travel more accessible across the region.

Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia recorded the largest employment impacts from airport-related activity, with approximately 368,000, 335,000 and 282,000 jobs respectively. Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand recorded the largest GDP impacts, at around $22 billion, $11 billion and $7.7 billion.

Tourism was another major beneficiary of expanded connectivity. An estimated 84.8 million international tourists arrived in ASEAN by air in 2025, generating approximately $127 billion in tourism spending, equivalent to about two-thirds of the region’s total international tourism expenditure.

ASEAN airports handled more than 700 million passengers and nearly nine million tonnes of cargo during the year.

The report also identifies significant additional economic gains that could result from full implementation of ASAM. Under an unconstrained scenario, the policy could generate nearly six million additional intra-ASEAN passengers, representing an 11.6% increase over 2025 traffic.

That growth could support an additional 15,000 aviation-sector jobs and generate $600 million in GDP, while tourism, trade, investment and other wider economic effects could add another 434,000 jobs and $3.7 billion in GDP. Combined, the potential benefit could approach 450,000 additional jobs and $4.3 billion in GDP.

Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, said ASAM had delivered significant progress but that further measures were needed to unlock its full potential. He called for greater market access and traffic rights, including expanded connectivity to secondary cities so that more local economies can benefit from increased aviation activity.

The study cautions that liberalisation alone will not be enough to achieve the projected gains. Airport and airspace capacity, infrastructure investment and supportive regulatory frameworks will also be necessary as passenger demand continues to rise.

Baronci said limited airport infrastructure development remains a key constraint on liberalisation in Southeast Asia, restricting airlines’ ability to take full advantage of opportunities created by ASAM.

ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East estimates that ASEAN airports will require around $108 billion in investment by 2036 to accommodate expected traffic growth. A further $233 billion could be needed between 2037 and 2056 as regional passenger traffic is projected to reach 2.9 billion.

That would put the estimated 30-year airport investment requirement at approximately $341 billion.

Baronci said meeting future demand would require airports to mobilise substantial capital to expand capacity, modernise infrastructure and remain competitive. He also urged ASEAN members to accelerate the implementation of existing air services agreements and address remaining capacity, regulatory and operational barriers to support sustainable aviation growth.

Source: TradeArabia

The mountain valleys of Saudi Arabia’s Jazan Region offer visitors a mix of rugged terrain, natural forests, rock formations and agricultural landscapes. Among these destinations, Wadi Qura in Baish Governorate stands out for its green farmland, scenic mountain views and rural atmosphere.

Agriculture remains central to the valley’s landscape and local heritage. Fertile soil has supported farming communities for generations, with cultivated fields stretching along the valley’s banks. Following rainfall, the surrounding land becomes greener, highlighting the area's natural beauty and its longstanding connection to agriculture.

The valley is particularly appealing to outdoor enthusiasts during the rainy season and periods of mild weather. Its open spaces and natural surroundings provide opportunities to explore the landscape, enjoy time outdoors and experience a quieter alternative to crowded urban destinations.

With its combination of agricultural heritage and mountain scenery, Wadi Qura offers visitors an opportunity to discover the rural character and natural attractions of the Jazan Region.

Source: SPA

The governorate features agricultural plains, valleys, traditional villages, coastal areas, heritage sites and local markets. These attractions, alongside ongoing development initiatives, offer a variety of recreational opportunities and contribute to Samtah’s growing prominence as a tourism destination within Jazan Region.

Jazan Municipality, through Samtah Municipality and the municipalities of Al-Suhay and Al-Qafal, has undertaken 156 completed and ongoing projects valued at a combined SAR1.628 billion. The initiatives aim to modernise infrastructure, improve urban aesthetics and raise the quality of municipal services.

Of the total, 89 projects have been completed at a cost of SAR822 million, while 67 projects worth SAR806 million remain underway.

The projects cover road construction and paving, sidewalk development, street lighting, rainwater and floodwater drainage systems, and improvements to gardens, parks and municipal facilities. Additional development and service initiatives are also included in the programme.

The investments are expected to improve the capacity of Samtah and the centres of Al-Suhay and Al-Qafal to accommodate tourists and holidaymakers. By upgrading public infrastructure and services, the projects also aim to create a more supportive environment for tourism and investment.

The initiative seeks to make better use of the governorate’s natural scenery, coastal locations and cultural heritage, further reinforcing its role in Jazan Region’s tourism development.

Source: SPA

Located about 80 kilometers from Jizan city, Wadi Dhahaya in the Balghazi Mountains of Al-Aydabi Governorate is emerging as a notable destination for rural tourism, known for its agricultural terraces, seasonal waterfalls and rich plant life.

The valley stretches through rugged mountain terrain, surrounded by green terraces, traditional stone-built settlements and streams that flow seasonally. During periods of rainfall, water cascading down the slopes combines with mist-covered peaks and terraced hills to create striking landscapes that attract eco-tourists and photographers.

The centuries-old agricultural terraces also reflect the traditional farming practices of local mountain communities. Farmers carved productive plots into steep slopes, creating cultivable land across otherwise challenging terrain.

Wadi Dhahaya is also an important habitat for wild Dhahyan trees, which support the production of the region’s prized Dhahyan honey. Sidr, acacia and juniper trees are also found throughout the area.

The combination of natural scenery, access to local beekeeping activities and the region’s agricultural heritage is helping strengthen Wadi Dhahaya’s potential as an agrotourism destination while supporting the wider development of rural tourism in the area.

Source: SPA

Saudi Arabia and Nicaragua have signed a bilateral air transport services agreement to strengthen cooperation and expand ties in the civil aviation sector.

The agreement was signed on Wednesday at the headquarters of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Riyadh by GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej.

The agreement provides a legal and regulatory framework for air transport services between the two countries, with the aim of supporting safe, orderly and efficient operations while enhancing cooperation in civil aviation.

The accord forms part of GACA’s broader efforts to expand international aviation partnerships and develop regulatory frameworks governing air transport.

It also supports the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Program, which seeks to strengthen international air connectivity and improve the competitiveness of the Kingdom’s aviation sector in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Source: SPA

The Jeddah Corniche and ROSHN Waterfront have attracted visitors attending the 27th edition of the Gulf Cup, known as Khaleeji 27, providing fans with opportunities to unwind between matches while experiencing Jeddah’s Red Sea coastline.

ROSHN Waterfront has welcomed visitors from across the Gulf, offering a coastal promenade, open seating areas and dedicated routes for walking, jogging and cycling. Its sandy beaches and landscaped green spaces also provide areas for families and individuals to relax throughout the day.

Stretching for more than 4.5 kilometers along the Red Sea, the waterfront is among Jeddah’s prominent leisure and tourism destinations. It features seven entertainment zones, various public services and facilities, children’s areas, and spaces for sports and recreational activities.

The destination can accommodate more than 120,000 visitors at a time and includes extensive beaches and green areas designed for leisure and relaxation.

ROSHN Waterfront also holds a Guinness World Records title for the longest pavement painting. Covering 16,000 square meters, the artwork was produced by Saudi artists and volunteers through a joint initiative involving ROSHN Group, the Volunteering and Community Partnership Program “Lenobadir” and the Social Responsibility Association in Jeddah.

Visitors attending the tournament have highlighted the waterfront’s combination of modern facilities, entertainment and natural surroundings. Its views of the Red Sea and art installations along the promenade have also made it a popular location for photography and experiencing Jeddah’s coastal atmosphere.

Source: SPA