Top 7 Major Airlines in Middle East for 2024

The Middle East is one of the fastest-growing travel markets globally, and the number of international passengers is consistently rising. As a result, people tend to opt for airlines that provide the broadest geographic coverage when traveling. Luckily, this trend has also resulted in some of the best carriers in the business, giving expanded reach into the region. As a result, we have compiled a list of the top 7 Middle Eastern airlines with their best routes, fleet types, and services.

List of Best 7 Airlines in the Middle East for 2024

1. Emirates

Emirates is one of the world’s largest long-haul airlines, operating to more than 100 destinations in over 50 countries. With more than 300 aircraft, Emirates serves some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and critical business and leisure destinations. They have more than 55 years of experience. Their Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s comprise ten cargo aircraft and 254 passenger aircraft. Their headquarters is based out of Garhoud, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. From Dubai, the home base, they offer direct flights to over 150 destinations in over 50 countries.

Statistics for Emirates

• Annual profit of AED 10.9 billion (US$ 3.0 billion) for Emirates Group.
• Group revenue of AED 119.8 billion (US$ 32.6 billion), an 81% increase.
• Highest-ever cash balance of AED 42.5 billion (US$ 11.6 billion).
• Emirates airline profit of AED 10.6 billion (US$ 2.9 billion).
• Airline revenue up 81% to AED 107.4 billion (US$ 29.3 billion).
• Airline capacity increased by 32% to 48.2 billion ATKMs.
• Group’s total workforce increased by 20% to 102,379 employees.
• Group investment of AED 7.2 billion (US$ 2.0 billion) in new aircraft and technologies.
• Emirates’ total passenger and cargo capacity increased by 32%.
• Two new 777 freighter aircraft added to Emirates’ fleet.
• Record profit margin of 9.9% for Emirates Airlines.
• 43.6 million passengers carried a 123% increase.

CEO: Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum
Founder: Maurice Flanagan
Founded: March 25, 1985, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

2. Etihad Airways

When it comes to flying, there’s just no beating Etihad Airways. They are the second flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates, offering some of the world’s most extensive and luxurious travel options. With a fleet of over 150 aircraft, they provide a range of services, including air connections to more than 180 destinations in more than 50 countries worldwide.

Etihad Airways is a primary national carrier in the United Arab Emirates. It operates an extensive fleet of Airbus, Boeing, and ATR aircraft, serving over 120 cargo and passenger destinations across its network. Founded in 2003, it reported its first full-year net profit in 2011. Etihad Airways started international flights in 2003 under its first ‘Destination Network’ strategy, which launched new routes – initially between Abu Dhabi and India. The airline’s head office is at Abu Dhabi International Airport in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi.

Statistics for Etihad Airways

• Etihad Airways reported a core operating profit of $296 million in the first half of 2022. There was a $392 million loss in the same period of 2021.
• Passenger revenue was $1.25 billion, compared to $320 million in 2021.
• Cargo revenue was $800 million, up from $760 million in 2021.
• Seat load factor was 75%, a significant increase from 25% in 2021.
• A total of 71 aircraft were operated, up from 64 in 2021.
• Etihad’s current fleet consists of 80 aircraft, with plans to expand to over 160 aircraft by 2030.
• Etihad currently serves 77 destinations, with plans to serve over 125 destinations by 2030.

CEO: Tony Douglas
Headquarters: Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Founders: Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

3. Saudi Arabian Airlines

Saudi Arabian Airlines is a renowned Arabian aviation brand with a rich history. With its HEAD-quartered in Jeddah, SAUDIA offers passengers unrivalled destinations and service offerings. Saudi Arabian Airlines is a national carrier of Saudi Arabia. It was founded on November 15, 1945, and started operations on December 6. The airline is the largest in Saudi Arabia and the seventh-largest regarding passengers carried. The airline connects over 100 destinations in Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Australia with its fleet of over 150 aircraft.

The airline’s main operational base is at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. King Khaled Airport is a secondary hub for the airline.

CEO: Ibrahim Koshy
Founded: September 1945
Headquarters: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Fleet size: 152
Destinations: 115

4. Oman Air

Nothing beats the peace of mind that comes with booking tickets through a trusted and reliable airline when it comes to traveling. Oman Air is just that kind of airline that has been in the market since 1965. With its long history of providing excellent service and reliable routes, Oman Air is perfect for those who want to travel in style and comfort. The airline connects Muscat International Airport with destinations worldwide, so you can experience the best of what Oman has to offer. It is one of the leading Middle Eastern carriers in passenger numbers, serving more than 100 destinations in Europe, North America, South East Asia, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. The company also operates regional air taxis and charter flights.

Statistics for Oman Air

• Total revenue forecast for 2023 is expected to be up 236% from the previous year.
• Number of passengers increased by 182%, with revenues going up by 88%.
• Net loss forecast for 2023 is -56%, compared to -35% in 2022 and -26% in 2021.
• Forecasted cargo capacity increased by 160% in 2023, bringing a 360% revenue increase.
• Omanisation level at 75%, with 90% of pilots, 100% male crew, 90% engineers, and 93% support employees being Omani.
• 155 new Omani employees joined in 2023, including pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and support staff.
• All flights reported an on-time performance of 96% while operating to 44 destinations.
• Fleet strength is limited to 45 aircraft per agreements signed between 2011 and 2015.

CEO: Abdulaziz Al Raisi
Headquarters: Muscat, Oman
Founded: 1993

5. Egypt Air

EgyptAir has been providing passengers & cargo services to the world since 1956. With its modern fleet and state-of-the-art facilities, the airline is committed to providing you with the best travel experience. EgyptAir has everything you need, from long-haul flights to convenient connections to get where you’re going. As Egypt’s state-owned flag carrier, the airline offers scheduled passenger and freight services to over 75 destinations worldwide. The airline was founded in 1932 when it began international flights between Cairo, Alexandria and Istanbul. It is the oldest airline in Africa and the Middle East. The headquarters for EgyptAir is located at the EgyptAir Administrative Complex on the grounds of Cairo International Airport.

Founded: 7 May 1932
Headquarters: Cairo, Egypt

6. Turkish Airlines

Looking for a reliable and affordable airline that will take you to any world? Look no further than Turkish Airlines! With scheduled services to over 315 destinations in over 50 countries, you can be sure to find what you’re looking for in our fleet of planes. The airline operates scheduled services to 315 destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive airlines globally!

Turkish Airlines is one of the largest airline companies in many ways. This is incredible, considering they were going through tough times during the 1990s, almost driving them out of business. Luckily, the management listened to their employees for once and decided to make some specific changes so that Turkish Airlines could avoid any problems that might arise down the road. The company’s headquarters is in Istanbul, Turkey, at the main airport called Atatürk International Airport, located in Yeşilköy, Bakırköy. The airline joined the Star Alliance network on April 1, 2008, and has been a member since then.

CEO: Bilal Ekşi
Headquarters: İstanbul, Turkey

7. Royal Jordanian Airlines

Royal Jordanian Airlines is the leading carrier in the middle east and serves destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. RJA provides passengers high-quality service and a wide range of options, including aircraft types and extensive network coverage. With an average fleet age of just over seven years, their aircraft are always in excellent condition and are supported by a team of experienced pilots and crew members. They operate to over 60 destinations worldwide with a fleet of modern aircraft kept in top condition. So book your flight today and enjoy seamless travel at an affordable price!

CEO: Samer Majali
Founder: Hussein of Jordan
Founded: 9 December 1963