The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has sharply cut its profit outlook for the global airline industry, citing disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. Airlines are now expected to post a net profit of $23 billion in 2026, while Middle East airlines are likely to post $4.3 billion loss, it said.
Kuwait International Airport’s Terminal 1 resumed operations on Monday, receiving and operating flights from international airlines as part of a phased reopening plan.
Global air cargo volumes rebounded in the first week of June as airlines restored capacity following disruptions caused by a convergence of public holidays in Europe (Pentecost), US (Memorial Day) and Eid Al Adha festival affecting notably Middle East & South Asia and Africa origin regions.
Britain introduced temporary measures allowing airlines to combine passengers onto fewer flights to cut jet fuel use, as concerns grow over potential shortages driven by supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions affecting Middle East supplies.
Total global air passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was down 3.4% in April this year, compared to April 2025, data from International Air Transport Association (IATA) said.
More than 40 airlines are currently operating through Dubai International Airport (DXB), apart from the Dubai-based Emirates and flydubai, Dubai Airports said.
Jeju Air, Jin Air and other Korean budget airlines cut 900 round-trip flights and introduced emergency measures as Middle East tensions pushed jet fuel prices sharply higher, with further flight reductions expected in coming months.
British Airways said it will reduce services across key Middle East routes when operations resume, citing continued uncertainty over regional airspace. Flights to Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv will be cut to one daily service from July 1, while Riyadh frequencies will fall from two daily flights to one from mid-May. Jeddah is being dropped from the network altogether.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) released its March 2026 classification index for airlines and airports based on passenger complaints, reporting a total of 2,033 complaints filed against airlines during the month.
Dubai has restricted foreign airlines to just one daily flight to its airports until May 31 due to the Iran crisis, a Reuters report said citing a Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) letter.
