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Thu, 26 Mar 2026

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 Prepare for turbulence - how a prolonged Middle East conflict could reshape how we fly

The Gulf's hub airports made long-distance travel cheaper - but now their future looks unclear.
1. Gulf carriers' significant role: The Gulf carriers, including Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways, account for 9.5% of global capacity. 2. Impact on air travel: The conflict has led to a decline in passenger numbers and revenue for the major Gulf carriers, with some experts predicting that it may take two to three years for the industry to fully recover. 3. European airlines respond: European airlines have started adding extra flights to avoid the need for a stopover in the Gulf, but they lack the resources to replace the capacity provided by the Gulf carriers. 4. Concerns over safety perception: The conflict has raised concerns about the safety of traveling through the Middle East, which could lead to long-term damage to the industry. 5. Diversification and economic implications: The Gulf states have diversified their economies in recent years, with aviation playing a significant role. If air traffic fails to recover quickly, this could put these economies at risk. 6. Optimism vs. caution: While some experts are optimistic about the long-term prospects of the industry, others are more cautious, citing the potential for lasting damage to the reputation of the Gulf carriers and their hubs. Overall, the article suggests that the conflict in the Middle East poses significant challenges to the aviation industry, particularly for the major Gulf carriers and their hubs. However, it also notes that the industry has shown resilience in the face of previous crises, such as the Covid pandemic.