Middle East Faces Urgent Pilot Shortage as Aviation Expands
The Middle East’s aviation sector is booming, powered by rapid economic growth across the Gulf and renewed momentum in non-oil economies like Egypt. But according to a new study, a deepening shortage of airline pilots threatens to slow the region’s ambitious expansion plans.
The Flight Operations Report 2025 by Oliver Wyman estimates that Middle Eastern airlines will require an additional 10,300 pilots by 2030. While shortages in North America and Europe are gradually easing, the report notes that the Middle East is the only region where pilot demand continues to far exceed supply.
Expanding Route Networks and New Market Entrants
Major Gulf carriers — Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways and Saudia — have been aggressively rebuilding and expanding their networks since the pandemic. Emirates has added new destinations in China, including Shenzhen and Hangzhou, and resumed service to Damascus after a 13-year pause. Qatar Airways has expanded into South America with flights to Bogotá and onward service to Caracas. Saudi Arabia’s new carrier, Riyadh Air, plans to serve more than 100 destinations by 2030.
This aggressive growth is occurring just as cockpit staffing challenges intensify.
A Strong Market for Foreign Pilots
Oliver Wyman expects Gulf airlines to continue attracting international pilots with tax-free salaries and expanded opportunities to fly long-haul aircraft. However, the study highlights a generational shift: younger pilots increasingly prioritize work-life balance, flexible schedules and lifestyle control over traditional incentive structures.
“The gap is likely to widen further as career expectations evolve,” said André Martins, Head of Transportation and Advanced Industrials for India, the Middle East and Africa at Oliver Wyman. He adds that rising personnel costs — driven by salary inflation and new labor rules — are growing faster than airline revenues, placing added pressure on operations leaders.
More Aircraft Orders Expected
With additional aircraft orders anticipated at the Dubai Airshow from November 17–21, 2025, the region’s demand for skilled pilots is set to climb even higher.
Unless the pilot pipeline expands rapidly, the Middle East risks facing an operational bottleneck at a time when its airlines are striving to become global aviation powerhouses.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, finews.com