Western carriers gain routes as Gulf airlines struggle

More than five weeks since U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28, the global aviation industry has faced severe disruptions.Middle Eastern airspace has been largely closed, grounding thousands of flights and giving Western and Turkish carriers a chance to capture a market traditionally dominated by Gulf airlines.

Market share shift

Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways have seen their operations severely impacted.

Qatar Airways is functioning at about 20 percent of pre-conflict capacity, while Etihad is operating at 50 percent less capacity.

Emirates has managed to recover to around 75 percent capacity after a recent drone strike affected operations.

Overall, approximately 1.7 million weekly seats have been removed from the region’s airline schedules.

Airspace restrictions over several countries, including Iran and Iraq, force airlines to use longer flight paths, raising operational costs.

Jet fuel prices have surged nearly 100 percent as Iran has tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz, with potential shortages predicted at some Asian airports.

Western carriers have responded by adding 677 flights to Asia since the conflict began.

Lufthansa, British Airways, and Air France-KLM have redirected some aircraft to new destinations, capitalising on the current circumstances.

British Airways has increased services to Bangkok, while United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have raised their long-haul capacity.

Temporary disruptions

Analysts indicate this shift may not last.

Gulf airlines are likely to regain their market position once operations stabilise.

Experts warn that European carriers may only have a brief period to capitalise on increased demand and higher prices.