Asian Airlines Lose Edge as Gulf Carriers Restore Europe Flights

Asian airlines that gained passengers and charged higher fares on European routes after the start of the Iran conflict are seeing those advantages fade as Gulf carriers restore flights and offer lower ticket prices.

After Gulf hub airports were closed at the start of the war on 28 February, many passengers switched to Asian carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air and ANA, which recorded higher load factors and were able to charge higher fares.

The situation is now gradually returning to normal. Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways had restored around 90% of their flights by mid-June. Analysts expect Asian airlines to retain some of the customers they gained because long-haul bookings are often made months in advance, but their advantage is likely to diminish.

Travel agents say most customers now feel comfortable again transferring through the Middle East and are returning to Gulf carriers, especially as cheaper fares on Asian flights have become harder to find.

(Reuters, Lud)