The aviation industry in the UAE and the broader Middle East is steadily recovering after recent regional military tensions, with airlines progressively increasing flight operations.

Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows a notable decline in flight cancellations. The cancellation rate for departing flights dropped from a peak of 65 percent on March 3 to 14 percent by March 23. On that day, out of 2,452 scheduled flights, 333 were cancelled or did not operate, representing 13.48 percent. In comparison, more than 2,000 flights were cancelled during the first week of March.

Since February, around 55,000 flights were scheduled across the region, with nearly 26,800 either cancelled or not flown, highlighting the overall disruption to air travel during the period.

Cirium’s data also shows that several regional carriers recorded exceptionally high cancellation rates since February 28, when the conflict began. Kuwait Airways led with 97.66 percent, followed closely by Gulf Air at 97.54 percent, Iraqi Airways at 97.16 percent, Jazeera Airways at 89.50 percent, and Qatar Airways at 88.87 percent.

Despite the disruption, UAE-based airlines have been steadily restoring international connectivity. Last week, carriers including Emirates, Air Arabia, Etihad Airways, and flydubai had resumed services to roughly 150 destinations worldwide. Operations remain partially reduced due to airspace limitations across parts of the UAE and the wider region, but airlines continue to serve key global hubs across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Australia, and the Americas.

UAE carriers are currently maintaining routes to major markets such as India, Pakistan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Emirates, the country’s largest airline, previously indicated it expects to restore its full global network in the near term, depending on airspace access and operational conditions.

Industry analyst Saj Ahmad of StrategicAero Research said recovery in aviation is being measured across multiple indicators, including network restoration, passenger demand, yields, and profitability.

He noted that Emirates and Etihad Airways have led the recovery effort, restoring as much as 70 percent of their networks. However, he added that many flights are still operating below full passenger capacity, meaning overall recovery remains below pre-conflict levels.

According to Ahmad, both Emirates and Etihad could return to near-normal operations within 10 to 14 days if current conditions continue. Other carriers, he said, are likely to require a longer period to fully restore operations.

He also highlighted broader uncertainty surrounding the situation, pointing to concerns over whether hostilities will end permanently or if renewed instability could emerge. If peace holds, he said, the Middle East aviation sector could recover quickly, particularly with the peak summer travel season approaching.

Source: Khaleej Times

Saudi carrier flynas has announced the establishment of a new operational base at Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim, in collaboration with airport operator Cluster2 Company. The development makes flynas the first Saudi airline to operate from six different hubs across the Kingdom.

The expansion will begin in July with the launch of the first phase, introducing direct services to five destinations covering both domestic and international routes.

On the international front, flynas will operate direct flights from Qassim to Istanbul, Trabzon, and Cairo’s Sphinx International Airport. The network will also include domestic connections to Abha and Dammam.

The airline said the new base is part of its broader strategy to strengthen its presence across Saudi Arabia and enhance connectivity between regional airports and key global destinations.

Eng. Ali Masrahi, Chief Executive Officer of Cluster2 Company, said the launch represents an important milestone in the organisation’s strategy to expand partnerships and develop wider operational networks across the Kingdom.

He added that the initiative is designed to leverage growing passenger demand and support the introduction of new domestic and international routes, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to handle 330 million passengers annually by 2030.

Source: ZAWYA

Airlines operating in the Middle East are projected to move into collective losses in 2026 as escalating regional tensions, restricted airspace access and sharply higher fuel costs place significant strain on the sector, according to the latest outlook from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The industry body said that while carriers in other regions are also expected to see weaker profitability, the Middle East is likely to be the only region to post an overall net loss.

Across the global aviation industry, profits are expected to fall substantially. IATA forecasts net earnings declining from $45 billion in 2025 to $23 billion in 2026, with profit margins narrowing from 4.2 per cent to 2.0 per cent.

Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, said the outlook has deteriorated due to conflict-related disruption in the Middle East and a significant rise in fuel costs. He noted that jet fuel prices have increased by nearly 70 per cent globally, forcing airlines to absorb higher operating expenses despite ongoing efficiency improvements and fare adjustments.

Walsh added that while all regions remain profitable, performance has weakened sharply across the board, except for the Middle East. He said Gulf carriers are operating under considerable uncertainty following major airspace disruptions linked to the onset of conflict, though they continue to maintain global connectivity despite financial pressure.

IATA estimates that global fuel expenditure will rise from $252 billion in 2025 to $350 billion in 2026, accounting for more than 31 per cent of total airline operating costs, compared with 25.4 per cent the previous year.

The projection is based on an average Brent crude price of $95 per barrel in 2026, up from $69 in 2025. Jet fuel is expected to average $152 per barrel, significantly higher than the previous year, while the spread between crude and jet fuel prices is expected to remain elevated.

Although airlines are hedging roughly one-third of their fuel needs, IATA warned that carriers remain exposed to sustained price increases and high refining margins.

Overall fuel consumption is forecast to remain steady at about 104 billion gallons in 2026, meaning that higher fuel prices are the primary driver of rising industry costs.

Walsh also highlighted that the sector’s financial resilience is under pressure, with average net profit per passenger expected to fall to $4.50, nearly half of the level recorded in 2025.

The Middle East is expected to be the most affected region, as geopolitical instability leads to capacity reductions, flight disruptions, and higher operating costs. Reduced transit traffic is also weighing on load factors, further increasing unit costs for airlines.

Despite these challenges, IATA said Gulf carriers continue to work to sustain global connectivity, even as financial headwinds intensify across the region.

Source: ZAWYA

Emirates SkyCargo, the freight arm of Emirates, has announced the launch of a new weekly dedicated freighter service to Almaty International Airport in Kazakhstan, with operations scheduled to begin on 16 June 2026.

The introduction of the Boeing 777F service marks the carrier’s first cargo destination in Central Asia. Operating from Dubai, the new route is expected to create a direct trade corridor that integrates the region more closely into Emirates SkyCargo’s global logistics network.

Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, is emerging as a key commercial and logistics centre, serving as an important gateway for trade across Central Asia. The weekly Tuesday freighter service will offer more than 100 tonnes of cargo capacity each week, enabling the transport of goods such as electronics, perishable items, machinery, and other consumer products between Almaty and international markets via Dubai.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, said the new service aligns with the company’s role in facilitating global trade and reflects its strategy to expand into high-growth regions. He noted that Central Asia is experiencing strong economic development and that the new route will provide businesses in the region with improved access to international markets.

He added that the service will also enhance connectivity for global customers seeking efficient wide-body cargo solutions into a strategically important market, while supporting Dubai’s broader economic objectives under the D33 agenda and reinforcing its position as a global logistics hub.

Emirates SkyCargo continues to expand its freighter fleet in response to rising global demand. Since March 2026, the carrier has received four new Boeing 777 freighters, with six additional aircraft scheduled for delivery later in the year as part of its ongoing network expansion strategy.

Source: ZAWYA

Emirates President Tim Clark has cautioned that a prolonged conflict involving Iran could place weaker airlines under severe financial strain, with low-cost carriers likely to be the first affected.

Speaking on Tuesday ahead of the Berlin Air Show, Clark said extended disruption could lead to failures within parts of the aviation sector, echoing similar concerns expressed over the weekend by International Air Transport Association (IATA) Director General Willie Walsh.

Despite the challenges created by the conflict, Clark said Emirates has no plans to reduce operations. The airline intends to continue transporting passengers through its Dubai hub to destinations including India and Australia, while implementing operational measures such as carrying additional fuel when necessary.

Clark also highlighted Emirates' ongoing rollout of Starlink onboard internet services across its fleet, noting that customer demand had increased following the introduction of the connectivity upgrade.

He stressed that the state-owned carrier would maintain its current capacity levels and was not concerned about the added operational costs associated with the regional situation.

The Emirates chief also reaffirmed the airline’s interest in expanding its presence in Germany. He said demand for flights to Berlin remains strong and noted that the carrier has spent decades seeking approval to serve the German capital. Although Emirates has secured airport slots in Berlin, it is still awaiting regulatory clearance to begin operations there.

Addressing criticism from German carrier Lufthansa regarding alleged regulatory advantages enjoyed by Gulf airlines, Clark rejected the claims. He argued that Lufthansa had also benefited from government support and said the airline should compete independently rather than rely on political backing.

Emirates continues to pursue growth opportunities in key international markets while monitoring the impact of geopolitical developments on the global aviation industry.

Source: ZAWYA

Riyadh Air has announced the addition of five new destinations to its growing network, marking another milestone in the airline’s expansion strategy as it prepares for full-scale operations.

The Saudi carrier, owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), revealed on Monday that it will begin serving Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah, Madrid, and Manchester. The announcement coincides with the arrival of the first three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft that will form part of the airline’s modern fleet.

According to the airline, the newly introduced routes are intended to strengthen links between Riyadh and key economic, tourism, and cultural centres across the region and beyond. Riyadh Air added that further destinations are expected to be announced in the coming weeks as it continues to expand its network.

The latest route launch follows the delivery of the carrier’s third aircraft, which arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday. The addition is expected to enhance operational preparedness and support Riyadh Air’s long-term objective of connecting the Saudi capital with more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.

Services to Jeddah are scheduled to commence on June 14, followed by Dubai on June 18 and Cairo on June 25. Flights to Madrid are set to begin on July 17, while Manchester services will start on July 23.

The airline also confirmed that it has brought forward the launch of its inaugural London route from July 1 to June 10, 2026, following the earlier-than-expected delivery of new aircraft. Ticket sales through the carrier’s official channels are due to open later on Monday.

Riyadh Air said its Boeing 787-9 fleet will feature advanced cabin technology, upgraded onboard amenities and hospitality services designed to meet international standards, aiming to provide passengers with a premium travel experience.

Source: ZAWYA