New traveler insights from Dragonpass reveal that Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are spearheading outbound travel growth in the GCC, with Qatar and Oman also showing remarkable surges as regional aviation capacity and tourism investments accelerate.
According to Dragonpass’ aggregated airport usage data across the GCC, Saudi Arabia saw a 36% year-on-year increase in travel volumes this summer, with June 2025 marking the Kingdom’s busiest travel month on record. This growth reflects both the expansion of Saudi airport capacity and the rising appetite for leisure and business travel driven by Saudi Vision 2030.
Bahrain experienced a 208% rise in total travel activity, the fastest growth among GCC markets, highlighting its emergence as a key regional connector. Qatar posted a 198.9% increase, fueled by new route development and Doha’s global appeal as a major events destination. Oman recorded an 89.2% rise, with August as its peak month, reflecting its positioning as a premium heritage-focused destination alongside expanding connectivity through Muscat International Airport.
While the UAE remains the region’s primary global hub, it saw a 21% decline in summer travel volumes, attributed to seasonal patterns and growing competition from its neighbors.
A New Culture in GCC Travel: Premium Becomes Standard
Dragonpass data also shows a shift in traveler expectations: airport lounge access is increasingly considered a standard part of the travel experience. Bahrain leads the world in lounge engagement, with 1.35% of passengers using premium facilities — far exceeding major hubs like London Heathrow and Hong Kong. Saudi Arabia follows with 0.86%, ahead of the UAE, Oman, and Qatar.
“Travel is becoming a defining measure of progress in the GCC. The surge we are seeing from GCC countries is not only about more people flying, it reflects dynamic economic growth and new international confidence. Airport experiences play a crucial role in that momentum. Dragonpass is committed to ensuring that as the region’s airports scale up, travelers enjoy a consistently elevated journey wherever they fly,” said Andrew Harrison-Chinn, Chief Marketing Officer, Dragonpass.
With rising hubs and evolving traveler expectations, Dragonpass is expanding partnerships and services across the GCC, supporting a new era of regional mobility defined by speed, comfort, premium experiences, and stronger global connectivity.
