Middle East ticket prices may ease if geopolitical stability improves, as airlines will face fewer disruptions, can reopen direct routes and will be able to offer more attractive fares as competition increases.
Air fares in the Middle East rose by 15 per cent in the first half of this year, compared to the pre-Covid six-month period in 2019. Rising inflation and reduced airline competition on domestic and short-haul routes contributed to the fare increase, the Airports Council International, a global airports trade association, said in its latest report.
This surge contrasts to an average of 9 per cent decrease in fares recorded in the region during the first halves of 2014 and 2019, underscoring the rising cost of air travel.
Airport charges have had “minimal impact” in driving the air fares higher. Airport charges and turnaround costs, including government taxes, have generally increased below inflation levels and, in markets where these charges have moderately decreased, air fares have continued upwards, it said.
Among the Gulf countries, the UAE recorded the highest increase in air fares – 23 per cent – in the first half of 2025, compared to the first six months of 2019, ACI said.
This was followed by a 13 per cent rise in Bahrain, 9 per cent in Saudi Arabia, 7 per cent in Oman and 3 per cent in Jordan during the same period.
However, pressure on air fares may ease when the geopolitical situation in the Middle East improves.
Airlines are likely to benefit from fewer operational disruptions, fewer diversions and the ability to resume more direct flight paths, Stefano Baronci, director general of ACI for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, told The National.
This will mean lower operating costs and improved efficiency, he said. “With fewer constraints on airspace and flight planning, more carriers may find it commercially viable to enter or re-enter certain routes that were previously avoided,” Mr Baronci said.
“The resulting increase in route options and carrier presence will strengthen competition, which historically tends to exert downwards pressure on fares.”
The end of conflict in the Middle East, combined with the continuing economic expansion in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is a positive development for airlines and passengers. It will provide “strong momentum for sustained growth in air connectivity across the region”, Mr Baronci added.
Peace deal
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has entered its sixth day under a peace plan put forward by US President Donald Trump. As part of Mr Trump's plan to end the Gaza war, Israel has agreed to halt its military advance, while Hamas has freed the last 20 surviving hostages it held. In return, Israel released almost 2,000 Palestinian detainees from the country's jails.
The Gaza ceasefire deal has ended two years of war in which more than 67,900 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire.
Israel's war on Gaza, which also involved attacks on Lebanon, Iran and Qatar, escalated geopolitical instability in the region during which airlines faced operational disruptions, flight diversions, route suspensions and higher operating costs.
Many Middle East economies rely on the travel and tourism sector for hard currency, job creation and business. According to an ACI forecast, passenger volumes in the region are set to rise.
Total passenger traffic in the Middle East is forecast to grow to 473 million in 2025, up from 440 million the previous year, underscoring the region’s “dynamism as both a destination and a global connecting hub”, it said.
Travel growth
In August, Middle Eastern airlines recorded an 8.2 per cent year-on-year increase in passenger demand, capacity rose by 6.9 per cent annually while the load factor reached 83.9 per cent, global aviation trade body International Air Transport Association (Iata), said in its latest report.
Global passenger demand was up 4.6 per cent compared to August 2024, it said. Numbers reached a new high during the peak northern summer travel season.
“Planes were operating with more seats filled than ever, with a record load factor of 86 per cent,” said Willie Walsh, Iata director general.
“Despite economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, the global growth trend shows no signs of abating, as October schedules are showing airlines planning 3.4 per cent more capacity.”
Despite economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, the global growth trend shows no signs of abating
Willie Walsh,
director general of Iata
However, he criticised the continuing supply chain disruption as well as aircraft manufacturers for delayed plane deliveries.
“Airlines are doing their best to meet travel demand by maximising efficiency, making it even more critical for the aerospace manufacturing sector to sort out its supply chain challenges,” Mr Walsh said.
Supply chain costs
Global airlines now face more than $11 billion from supply chain disruptions in 2025, a report by Iata and consultancy Oliver Wyman said.
The study found that airlines are paying excess fuel costs of $4.2 billion as they are forced to run older, less fuel-efficient planes because of delays to new aircraft deliveries, leading to higher fuel costs.
They are also paying additional maintenance costs of $3.1 billion because the global fleet is ageing, and older planes require more frequent and expensive maintenance.
Airlines are also facing increasing engine leasing costs of $2.6 billion for engines to replace those stuck in longer queues on the ground during maintenance. Aircraft lease rates have also risen by 20 per cent to 30 per cent since 2019, the report said.
Holding surplus inventory is costing airlines $1.4 billion as they must stock more spare parts to mitigate unpredictable supply chain disruption, it added.
Scoreline
Germany 2
Werner 9', Sane 19'
Netherlands 2
Promes 85', Van Dijk 90'
The specs: 2019 Haval H6
Price, base: Dh69,900
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 197hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 315Nm @ 2,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km
Kandahar%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ric%20Roman%20Waugh%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EGerard%20Butler%2C%20Navid%20Negahban%2C%20Ali%20Fazal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Jordan cabinet changes
In
- Raed Mozafar Abu Al Saoud, Minister of Water and Irrigation
- Dr Bassam Samir Al Talhouni, Minister of Justice
- Majd Mohamed Shoueikeh, State Minister of Development of Foundation Performance
- Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
- Falah Abdalla Al Ammoush, Minister of Public Works and Housing
- Basma Moussa Ishakat, Minister of Social Development
- Dr Ghazi Monawar Al Zein, Minister of Health
- Ibrahim Sobhi Alshahahede, Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Environment
- Dr Mohamed Suleiman Aburamman, Minister of Culture and Minister of Youth
Out
- Dr Adel Issa Al Tawissi, Minister of High Education and Scientific Research
- Hala Noaman “Basiso Lattouf”, Minister of Social Development
- Dr Mahmud Yassin Al Sheyab, Minister of Health
- Yahya Moussa Kasbi, Minister of Public Works and Housing
- Nayef Hamidi Al Fayez, Minister of Environment
- Majd Mohamed Shoueika, Minister of Public Sector Development
- Khalid Moussa Al Huneifat, Minister of Agriculture
- Dr Awad Abu Jarad Al Mushakiba, Minister of Justice
- Mounir Moussa Ouwais, Minister of Water and Agriculture
- Dr Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education
- Mokarram Mustafa Al Kaysi, Minister of Youth
- Basma Mohamed Al Nousour, Minister of Culture
Brief scores:
Toss: Sindhis, elected to field first
Kerala Knights 103-7 (10 ov)
Parnell 59 not out; Tambe 5-15
Sindhis 104-1 (7.4 ov)
Watson 50 not out, Devcich 49
What is safeguarding?
“Safeguarding, not just in sport, but in all walks of life, is making sure that policies are put in place that make sure your child is safe; when they attend a football club, a tennis club, that there are welfare officers at clubs who are qualified to a standard to make sure your child is safe in that environment,” Derek Bell explains.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
MORE ON TURKEY'S SYRIA OFFENCE
Gulf Men's League final
Dubai Hurricanes 24-12 Abu Dhabi Harlequins
How does ToTok work?
The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store
To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.
The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.
Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.
Key Points
- Protests against President Omar Al Bashir enter their sixth day
- Reports of President Bashir's resignation and arrests of senior government officials
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh122,745
On sale: now
Indian construction workers stranded in Ajman with unpaid dues
Bio
Born in Dibba, Sharjah in 1972.
He is the eldest among 11 brothers and sisters.
He was educated in Sharjah schools and is a graduate of UAE University in Al Ain.
He has written poetry for 30 years and has had work published in local newspapers.
He likes all kinds of adventure movies that relate to his work.
His dream is a safe and preserved environment for all humankind.
His favourite book is The Quran, and 'Maze of Innovation and Creativity', written by his brother.
Match info
Manchester United 4
(Pogba 5', 33', Rashford 45', Lukaku 72')
Bournemouth 1
(Ake 45 2')
Red card: Eric Bailly (Manchester United)
Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
Results
6.30pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes Group Three US$200,000 (Turf) 2,000m; Winner: Ghaiyyath, William Buick (jockey), Charlie Appleby (trainer).
7.05pm: Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Cliffs Of Capri, Tadhg O’Shea, Jamie Osborne.
7.40pm: UAE Oaks Group Three $250,000 (Dirt) 1,900m; Winner: Down On Da Bayou, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
8.15pm: Zabeel Mile Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Zakouski, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby.
8.50pm: Meydan Sprint Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,000m; Winner: Waady, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.
Abdul Jabar Qahraman was meeting supporters in his campaign office in the southern Afghan province of Helmand when a bomb hidden under a sofa exploded on Wednesday.
The blast in the provincial capital Lashkar Gah killed the Afghan election candidate and at least another three people, Interior Minister Wais Ahmad Barmak told reporters. Another three were wounded, while three suspects were detained, he said.
The Taliban – which controls much of Helmand and has vowed to disrupt the October 20 parliamentary elections – claimed responsibility for the attack.
Mr Qahraman was at least the 10th candidate killed so far during the campaign season, and the second from Lashkar Gah this month. Another candidate, Saleh Mohammad Asikzai, was among eight people killed in a suicide attack last week. Most of the slain candidates were murdered in targeted assassinations, including Avtar Singh Khalsa, the first Afghan Sikh to run for the lower house of the parliament.
The same week the Taliban warned candidates to withdraw from the elections. On Wednesday the group issued fresh warnings, calling on educational workers to stop schools from being used as polling centres.
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
The%20specs
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Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
