ATM 2026 Wrap: Massive Aviation Pacts Signal Regional Optimism

From 14–17 September 2026, the 33rd edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre under the theme ‘Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology’. Over 55,000 travel professionals attended.

UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri declared during a ministerial debate, “We stopped the descending. We are in the ascending aspect at the moment. We’re taking off”.

Major Middle East aviation deals were signed to expand regional and global capacity and target high-yield travel segments.

UAE Aviation: Connectivity and Infrastructure

Emirates: 30 New Pacts Capture Premium Demand

Emirates signed over 30 partnerships across 16 countries.

  • Integrated ‘Jaywan’, the UAE’s national card scheme, to lower payment fees and offer discounted fares to residents.
  • Partnered with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) to offer tailored fares and flexible terms for students and faculty.

flydubai: Network Growth and Local Perks

flydubai highlighted an expanding footprint spanning over 130 destinations. They also signed an MoU with Dubai Police, allowing arriving passengers to purchase the ‘Esaad Card’ at a special rate, offering discounts across 10 commercial sectors in Dubai.

Dubai Airports Expansion

Dubai Airports reaffirmed its commitment to the Dh128 billion (US$35 billion) expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), 

KSA Aviation: Dammam LCC and Codeshares

An Air Arabia-led consortium secured its Air Operating Certificate to launch a new low-cost carrier from Dammam, targeting 45 aircraft and 10 million passengers by 2030. 

Saudia and Riyadh Air established a landmark codeshare connecting Riyadh Air’s digital-native Offer-Order platform with Saudia’s legacy passenger service system. 

Kuwait: New Pacts Maximise Global Connectivity

Kuwait Airways partnered with Emirates, signing an MoU for a full reciprocal codeshare, giving Kuwait Airways passengers seamless network access via Dubai and expanding Emirates’ reach in Kuwait.

Jazeera Airways partnered with CzechTourism to launch new winter flights to Prague, expanding beyond summer routes to build year-round demand.

Qatar Aviation: Connecting Europe, Africa, and Asia

Qatar Airways reinforced its “Going Places Together” brand proposition from an immersive pavilion.

Hamad International Airport was positioned as a premier, frictionless hub connecting Europe, Africa, and Asia. Marketed as a high-quality alternative to capacity-constrained airports like DXB.

Which Aviation Alliance Will Define Travel 2040?

Which alliance or technological breakthrough from ATM 2026 do you believe will shape Middle Eastern aviation the most?

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