Middle Eastern Airlines Face Difficulties as Iran Conflict Causes Gulf Airspace Disruptions

LootboxPhobia · 2026-03-23T19:36:26+00:00

Middle East airlines have been severely hit following the Iran conflict, with a significant reduction in flight numbers. While some carriers like Emirates have restored partial capacity, overall operational levels remain below normal. The conflict has impacted ticket prices, passenger demand, and flight schedules, while also increasing aviation fuel costs.

LootboxPhobia

2026-03-23 19:36:26

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Investing.com – Airlines in the Middle East have experienced severe operational disruptions following the Iran conflict, which involved drone and missile attacks across the Gulf region, affecting major airport hubs and forcing rerouted flights.

State-owned airlines, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, Dubai Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Arab Airlines, saw their flight numbers drop to nearly zero after the first strikes by the U.S. and Israel on Iran on February 28.

According to data from Flightradar24.com, flights operated by Emirates, including those in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, have gradually resumed since the strikes, but remain well below pre-conflict levels.

The recovery pace varies among airlines. Data from Flightradar24.com shows that Dubai-based Emirates has recovered nearly three-quarters of its pre-conflict capacity, while Arab Airlines and Etihad Airways are operating at about half of normal levels. Dubai Airlines is currently operating at about one-third of its usual capacity, and Qatar Airways is running at only 20% of pre-conflict levels.

The conflict has affected ticket prices and passenger demand, while airlines not hedging fuel prices face rising aviation fuel costs. The situation has also disrupted flight schedules across Europe and Asia, leading some airlines to cancel flights and extend routes to avoid conflict zones.

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