Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes
Travel demand across the Gulf is shifting as Saudi Arabia and Bahrain emerge as the region’s fastest-growing outbound markets, according to new airport usage data released by Dragonpass.
Saudi Arabia recorded a 36 per cent jump in travel volumes this summer, with June marking its highest month on record.
Dragonpass said the rise reflects growing airport capacity and a broader push to boost leisure and business mobility under Vision 2030.
Bahrain saw a 208 per cent year-on-year increase, the strongest among GCC markets, reinforcing its role as a regional connector while tourism investment continues to expand.
Qatar followed with a 198.9 per cent increase, supported by new routes and strong international event traffic.
Oman posted 89.2 per cent growth, with August as its peak month, driven by heritage tourism and rising connectivity through Muscat International.
The UAE, still the region’s largest aviation hub, recorded a 21 per cent decline in volumes over the summer. Dragonpass attributed the drop to seasonal travel shifts and growing competition from neighbouring markets.
Change in travel habits noted in the Dragonpass report
The report also pointed to a change in traveller habits across the Gulf, with premium lounge access becoming more mainstream.
Bahrain recorded the highest lounge usage globally, at 1.35 per cent of passengers, ahead of major international hubs such as London Heathrow and Hong Kong.
Saudi Arabia ranked second in the GCC at 0.86 per cent, followed by the UAE, Oman and Qatar.
Dragonpass CMO Andrew Harrison Chinn said the growth reflects economic strength and confidence across the bloc. He added that airport experience is becoming central to the travel journey, noting that the company is expanding regional partnerships to meet rising expectations.
Dragonpass provides access to more than 1,400 lounges, 200 fast-track lanes, and over 500 dining benefits, supporting more than 40 million users.
The company operates globally, with regional offices in the UAE, Singapore, Brazil, South Africa, Japan, and China.
