Global travel & tourism is experiencing a strong resurgence in 2025, with international tourist arrivals rising by 5 percent in the first nine months of the year. According to the UN World Tourism Organization, more than 1.1 billion people travelled internationally between January and September, surpassing both 2024 figures and pre-pandemic levels from 2019. This growth has come despite persistent economic uncertainty, inflationary pressures, and geopolitical tensions. The third quarter alone recorded a 4 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024, boosted by a vibrant summer travel season in the Northern Hemisphere.
Africa and Europe are leading this global upswing. Africa recorded an impressive 10 percent rise in international arrivals, with both North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa achieving double-digit growth. Destinations such as Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Africa have been at the forefront of the recovery. Europe also performed strongly, welcoming about 625 million international visitors in the January–September period. This marks a 4 percent increase compared to 2024, with Southern and Western Europe showing particularly robust results. Central and Eastern Europe posted an 8 percent rebound, while Northern Europe experienced a slight decline.
Other regions are showing promising signs as well. The Asia-Pacific region saw an 8 percent rise in arrivals, reaching close to pre-pandemic levels. North-East Asia performed especially well with a 17 percent increase, although total numbers remain just below those of 2019. The Americas experienced moderate growth overall. South America led the region with a 9 percent increase in arrivals, while North America saw a small decline and the Caribbean and Central America posted modest gains. The Middle East grew by 2 percent and now enjoys roughly one-third more visitors than it did before the pandemic, making it the region with the strongest relative recovery.
Beyond visitor numbers, tourism spending is also rising. Countries such as Japan, Egypt, Brazil, and Morocco have recorded significant increases in tourism receipts. Spending in Japan rose by 21 percent, while Egypt and Morocco saw increases of 18 and 14 percent respectively. These trends indicate that travellers are not only returning in greater numbers but are also spending more, contributing positively to local economies.
Looking ahead, the global tourism outlook for the remainder of 2025 remains positive. The UNWTO’s projection of a 3 to 5 percent increase in international arrivals is well within reach, although factors such as rising travel costs and geopolitical uncertainty could influence final outcomes. Even so, optimism prevails across the industry, supported by strong demand from diverse source markets and growing interest in emerging destinations. As tourism enters this new phase of recovery, opportunities continue to expand for destinations, investors, and travellers around the world.
ASKY Airlines has strengthened its position as one of Africa’s leading regional carriers after being named Best Regional Airline for Facilitation and Connectivity at the UK–West & Central Africa Francophone Trade & Investment Forum (WCAF IV). The event, held from November 12–13 at Hotel 2 Février in Lomé, brought together government officials, investors, and aviation stakeholders to highlight key drivers of regional integration and economic cooperation.
The award recognizes ASKY’s growing influence in improving mobility across West and Central Africa, and its contribution to expanding trade, tourism, and cultural exchange within the continent. With a network that connects 30 cities in 28 African countries, the airline has become an essential bridge between markets that have historically lacked reliable air links. Its partnerships with regional financial institutions and Ethiopian Airlines have also played a key role in strengthening its operational footprint and service delivery.
Accepting the award on behalf of the airline, ASKY’s HR Director Mr. Francis Attiogbe said the recognition affirms the company’s mission to provide seamless connections across Africa. He noted that ASKY remains committed to supporting the continent’s long-term goals for deeper regional integration and sustainable development. Innovation, service excellence, and a focus on passenger expectations, he said, will continue to guide the airline’s growth.
ASKY’s steady expansion is supported by its modern fleet of 15 aircraft—ten Boeing 737-800s and five Boeing 737 MAX 8—which enables it to maintain frequent schedules and reach underserved destinations. Its operations have opened new pathways for cross-border tourism, supported business travel, and created an efficient air transport network that helps fuel economic growth in the region.
The airline expressed gratitude to its staff, passengers, and partners for their role in sustaining its success. As ASKY continues to grow its route network and strengthen its operations, it remains focused on enhancing connectivity that supports Africa’s economic ambitions and brings communities across the continent closer together.
Jambojet, the low-cost subsidiary of Kenya Airways, has announced an ambitious plan to triple its fleet and open new routes to West and Southern Africa over the next five years. This expansion is expected to strengthen regional connectivity, boost passenger numbers, and stimulate tourism growth across the continent.
The airline’s strategy is driven by the rising demand for affordable regional travel. After establishing strong performance on domestic routes such as Nairobi–Mombasa and Nairobi–Kisumu, Jambojet is now looking beyond Kenya’s borders. By adding more aircraft—growing its fleet to 11 planes by 2026 and 16 by 2029—the airline aims to serve more destinations and increase flight frequencies, making air travel more convenient and budget-friendly for both local and international travellers.
This expansion will play an important role in supporting tourism across East, West, and Southern Africa. More affordable flights will encourage cross-border travel, allowing visitors to explore destinations that have previously been underserved by air links. As connectivity improves, tourists will be able to access a wider range of cultural sites, natural attractions, and emerging markets across the continent. This increased movement of travellers is expected to benefit local economies, supporting businesses, hotels, transport providers, and tourism services that rely on visitor spending.
Jambojet’s growth will also support sustainable tourism. By leasing aircraft, the airline is able to scale responsibly while keeping costs low, offering travellers an environmentally friendlier alternative to long road trips—the most common option in many African regions. Affordable flights make tourism more accessible, allowing more people to explore the continent without the financial burden of high airfares.
Improved air links between East, West, and Southern Africa will bring wider benefits beyond tourism. Stronger regional connectivity encourages cultural exchange, business travel, and economic cooperation. With new direct routes and seamless connections, travellers will find it easier to explore multiple African destinations in a single trip, contributing to a more integrated continental travel network.
As Jambojet expands its footprint, it will also open opportunities in smaller towns and emerging tourism regions that have long been overlooked. Affordable access to these areas will help diversify tourism offerings and support regional development, especially in countries where tourism plays a central role in the economy.
Over the next five years, Jambojet expects its expansion to drive passenger growth of around 12% annually. With a larger fleet and longer routes, the airline is positioned to become a key player in Africa’s aviation market, helping to make travel more accessible and spreading the economic benefits of tourism more widely across the continent. Through its focus on affordability, sustainability, and regional connectivity, Jambojet is set to play a major role in shaping the future of African travel and tourism.
Kenya is increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and digital platforms to strengthen its tourism sector and elevate its growing creative industries. These technologies are reshaping how destinations are marketed, how cultural content is produced, and how audiences engage with Kenya’s stories.
AI and VR: Transforming the Tourism Experience
AI is opening up new ways to personalize travel—helping visitors discover tailored itineraries, hidden gems, and curated cultural experiences based on their interests. VR is also becoming a powerful tool for tourism marketing, allowing travellers to virtually explore safari destinations, heritage sites, or local experiences before they arrive.
For Kenya, these innovations offer a fresh opportunity to showcase the country’s diversity—from the Maasai Mara to Nairobi’s cultural districts—in more interactive and immersive ways. With global travellers now expecting digital-first convenience, AI-powered platforms can help the tourism sector deliver seamless, customized journeys.
A Creative Sector Ready for Global Reach
Kenya’s fashion, film, and music industries continue to attract regional and global attention. These creative sectors naturally complement tourism by exporting Kenyan culture and inviting audiences to experience it in person.
Film can inspire destination travel, drawing visitors to locations showcased on screen.
Music—from Gengetone to Afro-fusion—offers a cultural gateway that sparks interest in Kenya’s lifestyle and heritage.
Fashion and design spotlight Kenyan identity and craftsmanship, strengthening the country’s global cultural footprint.
Industry leaders also emphasized the importance of building strong local platforms for streaming, licensing, and content distribution. Keeping more of the economic value within Kenya helps fuel growth across both the creative and tourism sectors.
Digital Access and Regional Collaboration
Regional integration and easier access to other African markets were highlighted as major opportunities for Kenyan creatives. Simplified movement for artists, filmmakers, and cultural entrepreneurs would support collaborations, events, and cross-border tourism—strengthening Kenya’s position as a regional creative hub.
Removing travel barriers and improving digital trade systems would make it easier for Kenyan talent to expand across the continent and bring more cultural traffic back into the country.
Empowering Kenya’s Young Creatives
The next generation of Kenyan creatives stand to benefit the most. Understanding AI tools, digital distribution, and intellectual property protection will be key to reaching larger audiences and building sustainable careers.
With better access to technology and regional platforms, young creators can distribute their work more widely and participate in a larger African and global market.
A Growing Cultural and Tourism Powerhouse
Kenya’s combination of cultural richness, strong creative talent, and fast adoption of digital tools puts the country on a promising path. As film, music, fashion, and tourism continue to intersect, Kenya is well-positioned to attract new investment, new audiences, and more visitors seeking authentic African experiences.
The future of Kenya’s tourism and creative industries is increasingly digital, collaborative, and global—and the country is gearing up to take full advantage of it.
Kenya Airways (KQ) and Travelport have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership with the graduation of a new cohort of industry-ready trainees from the Pride Centre, marking another milestone in efforts to build a skilled, globally competitive aviation workforce.
More than 100 trainees completed IATA-aligned programmes delivered through the KQ Pride Centre, benefiting from access to Travelport’s modern distribution and retailing tools. The partnership ensures learners gain hands-on experience with the same technology used by leading travel agencies, ground handlers, and airline operations teams worldwide.
The importance of such training cannot be overstated. According to the latest IATA Value of Air Transport study, the aviation sector contributes approximately Ksh 425 billion (USD 3.3 billion) to Kenya’s economy, supporting 460,000 jobs — 5,700 of which are directly employed by airlines. With Kenya positioning itself as a regional aviation hub, the demand for well-trained professionals continues to rise.
Training programmes covered key skill areas including digital ticketing systems, customer service excellence, ground operations, sustainability, cargo and logistics management, and the use of modern distribution platforms. Through the KQ–Travelport collaboration, learners gained exposure to tools that enhance booking efficiency, real-time data use, and airline–agency connectivity.
During the graduation, the KATA CEO emphasized the significance of such industry-aligned training, noting that the combination of IATA-certified instruction, Kenya Airways’ operational experience, and Travelport’s cutting-edge technology creates a strong talent pipeline that will shape Kenya’s aviation future.
Industry stakeholders note that such standardized, technology-driven training gives Kenyan graduates a competitive advantage in both the regional and global aviation market. As the sector grows, the expertise of these newly certified professionals will play a crucial role in improving service quality, operational efficiency, and industry innovation.
Kenya Airways and Travelport reaffirmed their commitment to expanding access to high-impact, future-focused training, ensuring that Kenya continues to produce world-class aviation talent capable of supporting the country’s long-term industry growth.
The Nairobi Spotlight Travel Expo returns to Kenya on February 4 and 5, 2026, bringing renewed momentum to one of East Africa’s most established travel trade events. Founded in 2005, the Spotlight series has grown into a cornerstone of regional tourism networking, having hosted more than 150 editions across Africa and connected thousands of travel professionals over the past two decades. The platform has consistently drawn influential players from across the global travel ecosystem, shaping commercial relationships that continue to strengthen the region’s travel industry.
A New Venue Marks a New Phase of Growth This year’s edition marks a notable shift as the event moves to a new venue, PrideInn Azure, signalling confidence in Nairobi’s expanding hospitality infrastructure. More than 400 visitors and over 50 exhibitors are expected to gather at the hotel for two days of intensive business engagement. Early registration figures indicate strong interest from regional destinations, airline partners, and hotel groups seeking greater visibility as travel demand climbs.
For the first time, PrideInn Azure will host the Nairobi edition, offering a refreshed setting as the event expands its footprint. The 2026 calendar will feature two Nairobi Spotlight editions, with the second scheduled for early September. Organisers note that the decision reflects increased exhibitor demand and Nairobi’s rising prominence as a strategic hub for travel and tourism commerce across East and Central Africa.
Building Bridges Across the Global Travel Supply Chain The Spotlight Expo is widely recognised for its emphasis on forging meaningful commercial linkages. It continues to connect a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including travel agencies, tour operators, airline representatives, hotel groups, destination boards, and emerging travel technology providers. Delegates attending the Nairobi event will take part in structured business-to-business sessions, product briefings, and networking forums designed to strengthen partnerships and explore new opportunities within a constantly evolving global travel landscape. Previous editions have generated an average of 35 new business leads per exhibitor; a figure organiser expect to surpass this year due to expanded participation.
KATA Reaffirms Support for a Longstanding Industry Partner
The Kenya Association of Travel Agents has reaffirmed its long-standing support for the Spotlight platform by signing a renewed partnership agreement that formalizes its continued collaboration with the event. The association commends founder Derek Houston and his team for sustaining the Spotlight series for more than two decades and acknowledges the platform’s critical role in creating business linkages for Kenyan travel professionals. KATA CEO, Nicanor Sabula, describes Spotlight as an essential bridge between international travel brands and the Kenyan travel trade, providing agencies with broader access to global suppliers, fresh industry insights and new commercial opportunities. The renewed partnership is expected to further enhance agent participation and enrich the knowledge-sharing components of the Expo.
KATA CEO Nicanor Sabula with Derek Houston, Spotlight’s Founder, at KATA Offices.
Part of a Growing Pan-African Tourism Network The Nairobi Expo forms part of a broader regional initiative that stages Spotlight events in various African cities, including Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Gaborone, Cape Town and Lusaka. The goal is to strengthen commercial ties between African travel professionals and global tourism suppliers. Participants at the 2026 Nairobi edition will meet representatives from major international hotel groups, leading airline partners, global destination boards and companies introducing innovative travel solutions aligned with emerging consumer trends.
A Timely Boost for a Rebounding Tourism Sector The return of Spotlight to Kenya comes at a pivotal moment as the travel industry continues to recover and adapt to shifting demand patterns. Recent data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows a steady rebound in outbound travel, with regional trips increasing by more than 18 percent over the past year and long-haul leisure bookings registering consistent growth. Kenyan travel agents have reported increased inquiries for leisure, corporate, and MICE travel. Stakeholders acknowledge that platforms like Spotlight help sustain this recovery by encouraging collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing.
Strengthening Nairobi’s Place in the Future of African Tourism With preparations underway for the second Nairobi Spotlight edition in September, the 2026 series is poised to reinforce Kenya’s position as a central hub for regional and global tourism engagement. Exhibitors and delegates are optimistic that this year’s events will set new participation and business-generation records. The successful return of the Expo to Kenya, and its debut at PrideInn Azure, affirms the enduring value of the Spotlight series as a catalyst for industry progress and a key contributor to shaping the future of tourism in the region.
A coalition of 13 countries has announced plans to introduce new taxes on luxury air travel, marking one of the boldest attempts yet to raise climate financing from high-emitting sectors. The initiative targets private jets as well as first- and business-class tickets, and has quickly gathered support from African nations that say the world’s wealthiest travellers should contribute more significantly to global climate action.
Djibouti, Nigeria and South Sudan became the latest countries to join the coalition last week, expanding a group that already includes Kenya, Benin and Sierra Leone in Africa, along with France, Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda. Brazil, Fiji and Vanuatu have joined as observer states. Although the group spans several regions, most of its members come from the Global South — a point observers say underscores the urgent need for developing nations to secure new sources of climate finance as they continue to face disproportionate climate impacts.
The proposed taxes would apply to premium commercial travel and private aviation, a sector known for its exceptionally high emissions per passenger. Supporters argue that the levies would bring long-overdue fairness to climate funding by drawing revenue from travellers with the largest carbon footprints, rather than from ordinary passengers or struggling national economies.
The proposal stems from a broader global push under the Sevilla Platform for Action, launched earlier this year, and is receiving backing from the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force, co-chaired by Kenya, France and Barbados. The Task Force is also working closely with technical teams from the European Commission to shape the policy framework. Environmental groups have welcomed the development, with activists describing private jet users as “binge polluters” who have for too long escaped meaningful taxation.
However, not everyone is convinced. The International Air Transport Association has criticised the plan, arguing that airlines are already investing heavily in cleaner aircraft, sustainable fuels and carbon-offsetting programmes. France, despite being an early supporter of the broader coalition, has clarified that it does not intend to raise its own existing “solidarity tax” on air tickets, even as it encourages other countries to consider similar measures ahead of global climate negotiations.
Despite the criticism, momentum for the luxury air travel tax appears to be growing, particularly among nations most vulnerable to climate change and most in need of predictable financing. For them, the initiative represents not just an environmental intervention but a matter of economic fairness — a bid to ensure the world’s highest emitters finally pay a proportionate share of the costs of a warming planet.
Kenya’s travel sector is in the middle of a quiet but unmistakable evolution — and at the heart of that shift is the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA). What was once viewed as a modest administrator of industry standards has, over the past few years, grown into one of the most influential players shaping how the country buys, sells, regulates, and experiences travel.
With rising global travel regulations, escalating operational expenses, and online booking platforms eating into traditional market share, many agents say the timing couldn’t be better. A field that once felt fragmented now increasingly operates like a united front — and KATA is the thread stitching it together.
The Agents’ Secret Weapon
To understand KATA’s transformation, you only need to listen to the people on the ground.
A Nairobi-based agent still remembers the day she nearly closed shop in 2022. A major corporate client had abruptly shifted all travel bookings to an online portal. “We were staring at collapse,” she recalls. “KATA sat with us, helped us rethink our model, guided us through compliance, and even supported discussions with suppliers. They didn’t just advise — they fought for us.”
Hers is not an isolated tale. Across the country, many describe KATA as their “secret weapon” — not because it shields them from competition, but because it levels the playing field in an increasingly complex market.
Partnerships with IATA, AESATA, and tourism boards in Uganda, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai have given Kenya a louder voice in global aviation and travel conversations. Suddenly, decisions about commissions, airline policies, and distribution models, once made far from the continent, now include Kenyan input.
The growing trust is reflected in numbers. Since 2021, KATA’s membership has jumped by 76%. In practical terms, it means agents who once worked in silos now stand under a shared umbrella with access to advocacy, data, protection, and influence. A decade ago, that would have sounded almost far-fetched.
Building Skills and Strengthening the Next Generation
If advocacy is KATA’s shield, capacity building is its engine.
Walk into a KATA training session, and the energy is different. It’s not just about compliance anymore. It’s about preparing Kenyan agencies for a marketplace that moves as fast as its technology.
During a recent Student Symposium at Kenya Utalii College, more than 150 students squeezed into a hall, many perched at the edges of chairs or leaning against walls. As panelists unpacked everything from New Distribution Capability (NDC) to digital travel behaviour, pens flew across notebooks. You could almost see the next generation taking shape in real time.
KATA’s training menu keeps widening: GDS operations, tax matters, destination marketing, cybersecurity, modern retailing, data protection — the list grows with every new disruption in the global travel ecosystem. Agents say the sessions give them confidence in a world where customers now compare prices across five platforms before making a booking.
The association’s Future Leaders Programme is equally notable. Since 2019, more than 90% of its interns have landed roles in travel, tourism, or aviation. In an industry where “getting in” is half the battle, KATA is quietly building a pipeline of young professionals who are digitally native, globally aware, and prepared for a tougher, faster marketplace.
A Fuel Partnership That Redefines Value for Agents
In 2025, a year marked by rising costs, one partnership stood out for its simplicity and immediate value: KATA’s collaboration with Rubis Energy.
Through personalised fuel cards offering KES 4 per litre discounts, travel agencies — many of which spend heavily on transport for visa runs, corporate errands, and airport transfers — are seeing savings they can feel.
A mid-sized Mombasa agency says the programme trimmed its monthly fuel bill by more than 15%. “In this economy, that is not pocket change,” the owner notes.
What elevates the partnership is the extra layer: road safety and fuel-efficiency training. For businesses often operating on thin margins, these savings are not theoretical — they are the difference between breathing room and strain. It is a textbook example of KATA’s shift toward offering tangible, everyday value.
Advocacy Wins and Policy Influence
KATA’s growing assertiveness in policy circles is one of the clearest signs of its evolution.
When IATA proposed a Frequent Remittance Cycle — a move that would have placed immense pressure on agents’ cash flows — KATA rallied the region and blocked it. The association also pushed back against attempts to fragment the Agency Programme Joint Council (APJC), preserving East Africa’s bargaining power.
These may sound technical, but for travel agents, such decisions make the difference between profitability and vulnerability.
The appointment of KATA CEO Nicanor Sabula to the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) Board marked another milestone. For the first time in years, travel agents gained a formal, influential seat at the table where national tourism policies are shaped. The message was clear: travel agents are no longer spectators — they are stakeholders.
Growing Airline Partnerships
KATA’s influence now extends into the airline world, where consistency and relationship management matter.
Airlines, both legacy carriers and newer entrants, are engaging more openly with the association — a shift that agents say has improved everything from dispute resolution to commercial negotiations. The association has pushed for fairer commissions, better GDS access, and the removal of barriers that once left agents operating at a disadvantage.
As one travel manager put it, “If you walk into a negotiation alone, you’re a small business. If you walk in with KATA behind you, you represent an entire industry.”
Environmental Stewardship and Social Impact
In recent years, KATA has woven environmental and social responsibility into its identity.
Through the KATA Cares initiative, members planted over 1,000 mangrove seedlings along the coast — a small but symbolic gesture toward sustaining the ecosystems that make Kenya a global tourism magnet.
The association also continues to mentor students, support internships, and open doors for young graduates who would otherwise struggle to find their footing in the industry. Many credit these programmes with helping them earn their first paycheck in tourism.
A Powerhouse Reborn
Pull the threads together — the advocacy wins, the partnerships, the training initiatives, the airline engagements, the environmental commitments — and a new picture of KATA emerges.
Not just an association. Not just an industry voice.But a stabilising force at a time when travel, globally, feels unpredictable and fast-moving.
As Kenya navigates shifting traveller expectations and global market headwinds, KATA’s leadership is offering something rare: clarity in uncertainty. And as the industry enters a new era shaped by technology, consumer behaviour, and economic realities, one thing is increasingly evident:
KATA has stepped up — and the industry is stepping forward with it.
Saudi Arabia is making significant strides towards its Vision 2030 objectives by introducing electric air taxis, a move set to revolutionize the country’s tourism and transportation sectors. In partnership with Archer Aviation, the kingdom aims to connect key tourist destinations, such as the Red Sea resorts, with urban hubs through sustainable, high-tech air travel. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of modernizing its aviation infrastructure, enhancing tourist experiences, and reducing environmental impact, marking a bold step toward a future of advanced air mobility.
Saudi Arabia Partners with Archer Aviation for Electric Air Taxi Development as Part of Vision 2030 Plan
Saudi Arabia is stepping up its efforts to revolutionise air travel, with Archer Aviation joining forces with The Helicopter Company and Red Sea Global to develop and test air taxi services across the kingdom. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the Saudi government’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to modernise the country’s aviation, tourism, and infrastructure sectors. The collaboration focuses on introducing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to improve connectivity, particularly between airports, city centres, and resort destinations.
The initial phase of the project will see Archer’s eVTOL aircraft, named ‘Midnight’, flying between airports and high-profile tourist destinations along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. These services will aim to offer quicker, more sustainable travel options, supporting the kingdom’s ambition to position itself as a global leader in advanced air mobility (AAM). The partnership also emphasises the importance of integrating new technologies with the broader goals of the Saudi government to diversify transport systems and enhance the tourist experience.
A Visionary Project for Saudi Arabia’s Aviation and Tourism Sectors
The launch of air taxi services in Saudi Arabia is an ambitious initiative that aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 objectives to expand and modernise the tourism and aviation industries. This partnership between Archer, The Helicopter Company, and Red Sea Global will initially focus on connecting airports with the kingdom’s renowned resort destinations along the Red Sea. The air taxi services will be aimed at improving both local and international travel experiences by providing fast, efficient, and eco-friendly transportation options.
In order to ensure the smooth rollout of this transformative project, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is working closely with the involved companies to establish a controlled testing environment for these new aircraft operations. The initial phase will involve the deployment of a small fleet of eVTOL aircraft, and following successful trials, it is anticipated that these services will be expanded to other regions across Saudi Arabia. Regulatory approvals and pilot training programmes are already underway, setting the stage for a seamless integration of eVTOL services into the kingdom’s aviation landscape.
Strategic Partnerships and Global Collaboration
In addition to Archer’s collaboration with Saudi entities, the kingdom has also entered into partnerships with other leading players in the air taxi sector. Joby Aviation, a US-based eVTOL developer, has signed an agreement with Red Sea Global and The Helicopter Company to launch a similar air taxi pilot programme. This deal includes the potential deployment of up to 200 aircraft, with a valuation of approximately $1 billion, aiming to create a nationwide air taxi network.
Saudi Arabia has also established a major partnership with China’s Ehang, which plans to introduce its own electric air taxis to the kingdom. The collaboration with Ehang is scheduled to begin in late 2025, further diversifying the country’s efforts to innovate and modernise its transport systems.
These partnerships represent a concerted effort by Saudi Arabia to build a sustainable, efficient, and advanced air mobility system that will not only cater to tourists but also enhance the nation’s overall transport infrastructure. The kingdom’s commitment to these initiatives is further supported by the government’s extensive investment in mega-projects such as Neom, Qiddiya, Amaala, and the Red Sea Project. All these developments are designed to drive growth in the tourism sector and boost the nation’s global competitiveness.
Regulatory Framework and Infrastructure Development
A key component of Saudi Arabia’s air taxi initiative is the development of a robust regulatory framework to support the operations of eVTOL aircraft. GACA released its Advanced Air Mobility Roadmap in 2024, which outlines the regulatory guidelines and standards necessary for integrating new technologies like eVTOLs into the national airspace. This roadmap will provide the foundation for safe, efficient, and sustainable air taxi operations across the country.
To further support these services, Saudi authorities are also working on the construction of vertiports—dedicated facilities designed to handle the takeoff, landing, and maintenance of eVTOL aircraft. These vertiports will be strategically located near major airports, tourist destinations, and urban hubs to ensure smooth and effective air taxi operations.
Focus on High-End Tourism and Future Expansion
While the initial deployments of air taxis will target high-end tourism destinations, such as luxury resorts along the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia’s long-term vision includes expanding the use of eVTOL aircraft for broader public transportation purposes. As part of this vision, the government plans to integrate eVTOL services with existing transport infrastructure, providing seamless connections between different modes of travel.
Saudi Arabia’s strategic focus on urban transport and tourism, combined with the introduction of air taxis, will not only enhance connectivity within the kingdom but also offer a unique and eco-friendly solution for tourists seeking more convenient ways to explore the country. These efforts are poised to position Saudi Arabia as a leader in the future of air mobility, with a strong emphasis on sustainable technologies and cutting-edge transportation solutions.
The Road to 2030 and Beyond
The partnerships with Archer Aviation, Joby Aviation, and Ehang are integral to Saudi Arabia’s ambition to be at the forefront of advanced air mobility. These initiatives are expected to play a pivotal role in the country’s tourism growth and its vision of becoming a global hub for innovation, technology, and sustainable development. By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to have fully integrated air taxis into its transportation network, contributing to its broader goals of improving urban mobility, enhancing tourism, and reducing environmental impact.
With ongoing pilot testing, regulatory developments, and infrastructure planning, Saudi Arabia is taking significant steps towards transforming its aviation landscape and paving the way for a new era of air travel. As the kingdom continues to invest in these cutting-edge technologies, the future of air taxis in Saudi Arabia looks increasingly promising, with the potential to revolutionise the way people travel both within the country and internationally.
Dubai airport’s record-breaking performance signals booming travel demand and cements the airport’s standing as a global giant.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has just crossed a major travel milestone, recording 70.1 million passengers from January to September this year and setting a new benchmark for global aviation. The surge reflects Dubai’s continued rise as both a destination and one of the world’s busiest transit hubs. For Indian travellers, this is especially significant: India has consistently been DXB’s largest source market, and the airport remains a familiar gateway for holidays, business trips, and long-haul connections. As travel demand climbs and DXB pushes close to peak capacity, its record-breaking numbers reveal not only how vital the airport is to global mobility but also what passengers can expect in the months ahead.
Why This Milestone Matters
DXB’s soaring footfall shows just how central the airport has become in post-pandemic travel recovery. It handled over 92 million passengers last year, and with 70 million already logged this year, the airport appears on track for another record-breaking run. The growth also underscores Dubai’s strong tourism pull: its hotels, events, beaches, shopping districts, and mega-developments continue to draw steady global interest.
Dubai’s record traffic at DXB is also tied to the push to expand its second airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, commonly known as DWC (Dubai World Central). With DXB already operating close to capacity, Dubai is developing DWC into a much larger, next-generation hub that will eventually handle far more passengers than DXB. The long-term plan includes multiple runways, hundreds of gates, and enough space to support future growth in global travel. The recent surge at DXB highlights why this expansion is necessary.
A Key Hub for Indian Travellers
India remains DXB’s biggest market, with millions flying from Mumbai, Delhi, Kochi, Chennai, Bengaluru, and beyond. The airport serves as a primary gateway for onward travel to Europe, the US, Africa, and the Middle East. With demand rising, Indian travellers can expect more full flights, busier terminals, and potentially higher fares during peak periods. Booking early, especially for holiday seasons, can make a noticeable difference.
Why DXB Stands Out
DXB’s popularity is also related to what it offers travellers:
Seamless transit experience, with some of the fastest immigration queues globally.
A shopping destination in itself, featuring luxury brands, Middle Eastern perfumes, electronics, and duty-free deals.
World-class lounges, including Emirates’ massive flagship lounge for its premium flyers.
Relaxation options such as spas, family zones, quiet areas, and even in-terminal hotels.
A foodie hub, with everything from grab-and-go counters to international restaurants.
The airport’s facilities make long layovers not just bearable but enjoyable.
Dubai As A Destination In Its Own Right
Many Indian travellers treat Dubai as a standalone holiday spot. With visa-on-arrival options for certain categories and frequent flights, it’s easily accessible for quick trips. From Burj Khalifa and Desert Safaris to Dubai Mall, Old Dubai, and new theme parks, the city’s offerings keep expanding, which adds to the demand funnelled through DXB.
DXB’s record-breaking performance signals booming travel demand and cements the airport’s standing as a global giant. For Indian travellers, it means better connectivity, more choices, and continued convenience, but also busier terminals and the need to plan ahead. Whether flying through or staying in Dubai, the gateway is set for another strong travel year.
