The UAE has built one of the world’s most connected air transport networks, underpinned by robust infrastructure, strategic planning, and sustained investment, according to the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

As part of its push for greater transparency, the GCAA has launched a new analytical series, “A Closer Look: Civil Aviation in the UAE,” which highlights key milestones, sector challenges, and future opportunities.

From its modest beginnings in the 1930s as a refueling stop in Sharjah, the UAE’s aviation sector has grown into a globally influential network. Today, the country operates 12 certified airports, including eight international hubs, and maintains direct connections to 304 airports across 109 countries. In 2024 alone, the UAE airspace recorded over one million air traffic movements.

The sector is a major economic driver, contributing more than USD 92 billion annually, around 18% of GDP, and supporting nearly one million jobs. The UAE is home to five national carriers, a fleet of 960 registered aircraft, and over 4,800 weekly international flights. Dubai International Airport (DXB) remains the world’s busiest airport for international passengers, with 10.68 million scheduled seats in August 2025.

Over the past decade, passenger traffic at UAE airports has grown by 33.6%, while regional air connectivity has increased by 39% and global connectivity by 15%. The nation’s aviation capacity now exceeds 160 million passengers annually.

With ongoing investments in advanced air mobility, sustainable aviation fuels, and autonomous aircraft systems, the UAE is positioning itself at the forefront of global aviation’s future. The GCAA’s new report series seeks to reinforce this leadership, offering deeper insights into the factors driving the country’s aviation success.