Middle Eastern airlines are projected to require 10,300 additional pilots by 2030, according to the 2025 Flight Operations Brief by global consultancy Oliver Wyman.
The report warns that despite easing shortages in North America and Europe, the Middle East remains the only region where pilot demand is rising faster than supply.
The findings highlight how unprecedented fleet expansion across Gulf carriers will sustain long-term workforce pressure, forcing airlines to compete aggressively for skilled talent.
Middle East pilot shortage
Many regional airlines have traditionally relied on pilots from overseas markets with surplus supply — a strategy that is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain.
According to the study, the regional pilot gap will widen as Middle East carriers expand fleets faster than they can recruit or train crew.
To offset this, airlines are expected to continue offering tax-free compensation packages and greater opportunities to operate widebody aircraft to attract foreign pilots.
André Martins, Head of Transportation and Advance Industrials for India, the Middle East, and Africa at Oliver Wyman, said: “The Middle East faces a unique challenge: airlines are growing faster than the available pilot workforce. With more than 10,000 pilots needed by 2030, carriers will have to think differently about sourcing, training, and retaining talent.
“Solutions such as localised training pipelines, advanced simulation, and innovative career pathways will be critical to sustaining growth.”
Shifting pilot priorities
The report also highlights a generational shift in pilot expectations. Younger pilots increasingly prioritise work-life balance, flexibility, and schedule control over traditional pay and promotion structures.
This evolution is reshaping how airlines must design contracts and manage retention strategies.
At the same time, pilot costs are rising faster than airline revenues due to higher pay demands and evolving work rules.
Oliver Wyman warns that this trend could create new challenges for flight operations leaders, requiring smarter workforce planning and more efficient scheduling models.
The consultancy notes that technological advances — including virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) training and data-driven safety tools — present opportunities to enhance pilot readiness and streamline training costs.
The report calls for a greater focus on localised training, urging Middle East carriers to build sustainable pilot development pipelines within the region rather than relying solely on foreign recruitment.
Key findings for the Middle East
- 10,300 pilots required by 2030 — the largest forecast shortage of any global region
- Continued dependence on expatriate pilots attracted by tax-free pay and long-haul routes
- Younger pilots prioritising schedule stability and quality of life
- Rising labour costs pushing carriers toward smarter workforce planning
- Opportunity to leverage VR/AR and local training programmes to build long-term talent capacity
