This article has been reviewed by Wego‘s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.
As we cruise past the halfway point of 2025, Wego’s flight search data reveals a dynamic travel landscape across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). GCC-based travelers demonstrated strong travel demand, with total flight searches on Wego increasing by 14% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
Whether it’s migrants returning home, vacationers chasing cooler climates, or bargain hunters finding value, the flight trends tell a rich story of movement.
Let’s dive into the top destinations by region, backed by Wego’s exclusive flight search data from January to June 2025, along with average airfare trends and year-on-year comparisons.
Book Cheap Flights on Wego
Top 10 Global destinations from the GCC
According to Wego’s data, Cairo leads the list by a long shot. Egypt’s capital remains a cultural, familial, and tourism powerhouse for GCC travelers.
Close behind Cairo is a group of South and West Asian cities: Islamabad, Amman, Dhaka, and Kozhikode. These places aren’t typical holiday spots, but they reflect the large number of expats traveling home from the Gulf, especially those from Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and Jordan.
Istanbul continues to be the most popular transcontinental destination. Despite a 17% drop in search volume, it remains a favorite for its unique mix of culture, history, and affordability. Dubai also makes the list, mostly due to regional travel for both holidays and business.
Rounding out the global top ten are Manila, Damascus—the surprise standout with a nearly six‑fold leap in searches—and North Africa’s stalwart Casablanca. Manila’s steady climb in search volume, up nearly 40% year-on-year, highlights the Gulf’s sizable Filipino workforce. At the same time, with Qatar Airways, flydubai, and Emirates reinstating direct flights, searches for Damascus have skyrocketed. This suggests that long-suppressed family demand is finally gaining momentum, amplified by the emotional pull of reconnecting with home.
Top 5 European destinations
Baku takes the lead for European destinations. Its close proximity, visa-on-arrival policy, and budget-friendly fares under USD 300 make it a reliable favorite for Gulf travelers looking for culture and cooler weather.
London follows in second place. It continues to be a top choice for business, leisure, and family visits, but rising fares have been dampening demand; searches are down by 13.52% compared to the same period last year.
Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, holds onto its #3 ranking for the second year running thanks to its picturesque landscapes and food scene. More competitive pricing this year keeps it firmly on the radar of budget-conscious travelers.
Moscow and Sarajevo round out the top five. Sarajevo has quietly gained popularity this year, thanks in part to its lower prices, making it one of the most affordable European options this year.
Top 5 Asian destinations
Within Asia, Islamabad once again tops the board, with searches surging 41% year‑on‑year as Pakistani expats prioritise home visits, even with a noticeable fare hike.
Hot on Cairo’s heels, Dhaka registers the region’s sharpest surge, with search volume up 68% year-on-year, highlighting how essential the Gulf-to-Bangladesh corridor is for workers reuniting with their families.
Kozhikode maintains strong connections with Kerala, providing a reliable and budget-friendly gateway for Indian expat families.
Up next in the ranking, Manila is a staple route for the region’s sizeable Filipino community, doubling as a sun‑and‑shopping holiday spot.
Rounding out the list, demand this year for Bangkok softens slightly but the city still lures Gulf flyers with easy visa access, spa weekends, and endless retail therapy.
Beyond the top five, Wego data also highlights growing interest in Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur. Jakarta continues to attract travel from the GCC, likely led by Indonesian expatriates heading home, even as airfares rise by 26%. Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur’s mix of culture, cuisine, and value keeps it firmly on the region’s radar despite a 13% fare increase.
Six months in: How GCC travelers are navigating 2025
2025 has so far revealed evolving travel behavior across the GCC, including sentimental journeys to home countries, strategic trips to value destinations, and new explorations in emerging hubs. Cairo still dominates, but the rise of cities like Tbilisi and Damascus demonstrates that affordability and access are more important than ever.
Whether you’re planning your next getaway or just curious about where the region’s headed, these travel trends offer a roadmap to what matters to GCC flyers in 2025.
