Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Civil Aviation Authority, affirmed that the civil aviation sector is a fundamental pillar for supporting economic and tourism growth, enhancing trade flows, and connecting countries and peoples, amid the rapid developments taking place in the sector at both regional and international levels.
Bin Touq’s said this while participating in the ministerial session held as part of the agenda of the “Wings of India 2026” Conference, which took place in Hyderabad, India. Several ministers and senior government officials from around the world attended the event.
Bin Touq noted that, guided by the leadership’s vision, the UAE has consolidated its position as one of the world’s leading aviation hubs, supported by one of the best logistics infrastructures globally and an integrated ecosystem that enables aviation, transport, and travel, strengthening its role as a key gateway linking East and West.
He explained that the UAE accounts for approximately 2.3 per cent of total global international passenger traffic and 32.2 per cent of international passenger traffic at the regional level. These indicators reflect the country’s high level of air connectivity and place it among the most connected countries in the world in air transport.
He stressed that this position provides a solid foundation for moving forward, as the UAE continues to develop a smarter and more sustainable aviation sector based on advanced technologies, accelerated digital transformation, and innovation, alongside the adoption of solutions that help reduce emissions and enhance operational efficiency, in line with global trends and sustainable development goals.
Bin Touq added that the UAE places special importance on strengthening international cooperation and building strategic partnerships that enhance the aviation sector’s future readiness and keep pace with rapid changes in travel and transport patterns, thereby ensuring sustainable growth and reinforcing the sector’s global competitiveness.
He also praised the strength of UAE– India relations, describing them as a model of a successful strategic partnership that serves the interests of both countries and supports comprehensive and sustainable growth, particularly in the new economy, aviation, and tourism sectors.