Wego highlights the most popular international travel destinations of 2025
Pakistan’s rising popularity and Syria’s strong return to international flights highlight significant shifts in travel trends for 2025
Wego, the travel marketplace and app for flight bookings in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has revealed the most popular destinations among Middle East travellers based on millions of quarterly searches. The rankings cover the first four months of 2025.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia continue to lead, a trend consistent for the past decade. India follows in third place, reflecting its large diaspora in the region. Strengthening India’s position are new flight routes from IndiGo and Akasa Air to Abu Dhabi, along with Royal Jordanian’s announced services to Delhi and Mumbai.
Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, commented: “Egypt and Saudi Arabia have consistently held leading positions on our platform, a reflection of their strong outbound and domestic travel appetite, well-established tourism infrastructure, and year-round demand. This upward trend has remained steady for over a decade, supported by increased connectivity and evolving traveller preferences. India, securing third place, underscores the influence of its vast and growing diaspora, especially within the Middle East.”
Building on last year’s trend, Pakistan continues to climb the rankings, driven by the success of the ‘Salam Pakistan’ campaign, a stable economy, and the growth of online booking platforms. Flight connectivity has also expanded, with flynas, flyadeal, and AirAsia X launching direct flights to Karachi in Q1, and Karachi-based Fly Jinnah beginning international operations in 2024.
Meanwhile, Syria surged 30 spots into the top 10 after restarting international flights from Damascus in January and Aleppo in March. Qatar Airways reported 90% seat occupancy on its Doha–Damascus route, and direct flights to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) resumed in April. Syria’s momentum is expected to continue through Q2 and beyond.
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Chloe Fox
Chloe Fox is an Editorial Assistant for Voyageur Group, joining in 2024. She writes for ITIJ and AirMed&Rescue, covering a range of topics including international travel and health insurance, medical assistance provision, and air medical transportation. Chloe holds a BA (Hons) in English and an MA in English Literature from the University of Bristol.