Regional airline boom boosts Qatar’s role as global hub

Doha, Qatar: Qatar s aviation sector is set to benefit from a strong regional airline boom, as Middle East carriers are projected to lead global profi...

Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s aviation sector is set to benefit from a strong regional airline boom, as Middle East carriers are projected to lead global profitability in 2026, reinforcing Doha’s position as a major international aviation hub.

Driven by rising passenger demand, expanding route networks and sustained investment in infrastructure, fleet renewal and sustainability, the regional upswing is expected to translate into continued growth for Qatar’s aviation ecosystem, an official said.

Speaking to The Peninsula, aviation expert and Ground Instructor at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Khamis Abdullah Alkhelaifi, said international forecasts point to sustained growth for the region, with Qatar well-positioned as a major global hub.

According to projections by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), airlines in the Middle East are expected to record the highest profitability worldwide in 2026, supported by robust travel demand and high net profit margins. Alkhelaifi noted that passenger demand in the region is growing faster than the global average, enabling airlines to operate more flights, achieve higher load factors and expand route networks.

He said the positive outlook also reflects broader gains across the global aviation industry, with airlines expected to post improved profitability in 2026 compared with 2025. These gains are being driven by stronger operational efficiency and more stable demand, trends that directly benefit carriers such as Qatar Airways.