The aviation world is taking note as the Middle East surges ahead, showcasing a spectacular 26% growth in total air connectivity in 2022, which puts it far ahead of its peers in the Asia-Pacific region, where connectivity recorded a 38% dip against the 2019 benchmark. Despite the slump, signs of recovery emerge in the Asia-Pacific, pointing towards a brighter horizon.
Dubai International Airport continues its dominance, holding onto its top position, while Doha’s Hammad Airport bags the second spot in the total connectivity race for the year. Not too far behind, Tokyo Haneda Airport occupies the third rank, presenting a triad of airport powerhouses in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. As we gaze into 2023, Dubai Airport and Incheon Airport emerge as frontrunners in the preliminary direct connectivity rankings, foretelling another intense contest in the year ahead.
Hamad International Airport
This breaking news comes straight from the Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific and Middle East during its grand launch in Riyadh’s Middle East office. The “Airport Connectivity Report”, birthed from a collaboration with global giants PwC, offers an unprecedented deep dive into passengers’ ease of access to the worldwide air transport network. Beyond direct routes, it illuminates the quality of each air journey, considering factors such as destination options, service frequency, and more, ultimately offering a gauge of the passenger experience. The comprehensive study encapsulates data from 100 airports, accounting for 60% of combined passenger traffic in the two regions for 2019.
In a post-COVID-19 landscape, the Middle East’s air connectivity stands as a testament to resilience and robust strategies, mainly when observed against the backdrop of the hardships faced by Asia-Pacific. Leading the recovery charge in the Middle East have been the Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs), showcasing commendable agility and adaptability.
Yet, all isn’t gloom for the Asia-Pacific. Preliminary insights for 2023 project an uplifting trajectory for the region, with airports like King Khalid International Airport and Hamad International Airport recording impressive recovery rates. Another encouraging figure emerges as seat capacity to China, showcasing a staggering +937% rise in August 2023 compared to the same period last year.
However, the journey of recovery and growth isn’t without its challenges. A spectrum of factors, ranging from geopolitical tensions to a global health crisis, have shaped the aviation landscape.
The implications of air transport liberalisation have been paramount, with countries like Singapore reaping rich dividends. The ongoing drive for aviation market liberalisation promises further dynamism, although some regions, like Australia and Indonesia, remain untapped with potential benefits.
In the context of increasing airfares, our research unveils a sombre picture. As many as 69 airports out of the studied 100 have faced dwindling airfare affordability, threatening the industry’s recovery. Simultaneously, the paramount importance of the aviation sector to socio-economic growth is undeniable, with billions in revenue and millions of jobs created.
Stefano Baronci, the Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, underlined the study’s significance and the roadmap ahead, emphasizing collaboration with governments and a multifaceted focus on liberalisation, infrastructure, and innovation.
In conclusion, the report proposes several measures to bolster connectivity, ranging from modernizing the slot allocation system to green initiatives targeting CO2 emissions.
Written by: Don Power
