# Gulf Airline Operations Update: Iran War Impact on Emirates, Qatar, and Etihad Policies

_May 11 06:58_

Tags: Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Privilege Club, Skywards, Gulf, Iran, airline, loyalty program, industry news

Weekly update on Gulf carrier operations during the Iran war, covering tier extensions, flexible rebooking policies, and route adjustments for Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad

## Summary

Emirates has extended Skywards member tiers and paused miles expiry until June 30, 2026, while offering a 20% bonus on award and tier miles and lowering tier qualification requirements by 20% until August 31, 2026. Flexible cancellation and rebooking policies are extended until May 31, 2026, with one free date change available for tickets issued from April 2. Qatar Airways has clarified Privilege Club tier extensions and qualification requirements for the period of February 28 to May 31, 2026, and extended free changes for tickets issued by May 15, 2026. Scheduled destination updates through June 16, 2026, include the restart of Iraqi destinations. Etihad has extended flexible rebooking and refund policies until May 15, 2026 (rebookable until June 15) and lowered qualification criteria by 25% until March 31, 2027. Additionally, Etihad launched a global sale offering up to 30% off Economy and Business class fares for travel through October 2026, with booking required by May 14. Flight data indicates fluctuating operations across all three carriers due to drone and missile activity in the Gulf region

## Why it matters

Affects 3 airline programs (Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways).

## Sources cited

- [LoyaltyLobby](https://loyaltylobby.com/2026/05/11/gulf-airline-operations-two-months-into-the-iran-war-may-11-2026?omhide=true) — Gulf Airline Operations Two Months+ Into The Iran War (May 11, 2026)

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