Gulf Airlines Operations Two Months Into The Iran War: Capacity, Policies, and Route Updates

• Qatar Airways: Privilege Club tier extensions and qualification requirements clarified for Feb 28–May 31, 2026. Flexible rebooking and refund policies extended for flights until September 15, 2026. Route updates include bringing Dubai, Sharjah, and Dammam restarts forward and delaying Los Angeles through June 16, 2026.
• Emirates: Skywards member tiers extended and miles expiry paused until June 30, 2026. Flexible cancellation and refund policies extended until May 31, 2026. One free date change offered for tickets issued on or after April 2, 2026.
• Etihad: Flexible rebooking and refund policies extended until May 15, 2026 (rebook until June 15). Lowered tier qualification/requalification criteria by 25% until March 31, 2027. Fast-track Silver or Gold status offered for one round-trip in economy or business (select origins, book by April 30). Broader industry impact includes doubled jet fuel prices affecting airlines globally and trimming of itineraries. The situation remains unpredictable with no peace treaty in place

Operations at major Gulf carriers have stabilized two months after the start of the Iran War, though capacity remains below pre-war levels. Qatar Airways is at 60% capacity with planned ramp-ups on May 16 and June 16; Emirates is at 80%; Etihad is at 70%. Key policy and operational updates include: