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.
South Korea’s inflation rose to a 26-month high in May, reaching 3.1 per cent year-on-year. The increase was driven mainly by higher fuel costs amid volatility in global energy markets, according to Statistics Korea.
Swedish conglomerate Alfa Laval has appointed Alban Hohmann‑Schauly as its new Vice President of Energy unit for the Middle East, South & East Africa region. With over 16 years global experience in the energy and digital infrastructure, Alban has built a strong track record in market analysis and customer segmentation.
Arabian Construction Company Group has appointed Eric Savage as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). In this role, Savage will lead ACC’s technology strategy, overseeing enterprise systems, cyber security, IT infrastructure, data initiatives and digital innovation across the business.
Syria recorded nearly 12,000 overflights in May after airlines altered their routes across the region to avoid airspaces affected by recent regional developments.
The Middle East recorded sustained merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the first quarter with 196 deals valued at $23.3 billion being announced compared to 207 deals worth $31.3 billion last year. UAE accounted for 33 transactions valued at $2.2 billion, down from 52 deals in Q1 2025, said a report.
Global LNG exports fell to about 33 million tonnes in April 2026, the lowest in nearly two years, as Middle East tanker disruptions linked to the US-Israeli war with Iran impacted shipping flows.
Global air cargo demand rose 4% year-on-year in April, supported by robust Asia-linked trade flows, despite severe disruption at major Gulf hubs from conflict in the Middle East that reshaped trade routes and constrain capacity on key corridors, said a report.
The global economic outlook has deteriorated sharply in recent weeks, according to the latest edition of the World Economic Forum’s Chief Economists’ Outlook published on Thursday (May 28).
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.
