This information is current as of April 2026. The Direct Travel team will continue to update this blog if needed as the situation develops.
Global air travel is feeling the impact of the Middle East conflict, with fuel costs rising sharply and key air routes disrupted. Many flights are being rerouted around restricted airspace, adding both cost and time to flight schedules. Oil prices have increased by 84% since the start of the conflict, forcing airlines to adjust operations and driving higher jet fuel costs. The supply of fuel has also been steeply affected, with a six week supply of jet fuel left in Europe and just over a month reported in Australia.
For travel managers, this environment reinforces the importance of flexibility and strong duty of care practices. Ensuring traveler safety while maintaining continuity has become more complex, especially as conditions continue to evolve.
Below, we take a closer look at how major airlines are adapting to current conditions and what it means for your travel program.
How Airlines Are Responding
Airlines are taking a range of measured actions in response to rising fuel costs and ongoing airspace constraints. Across the industry, this includes adjusting capacity, reallocating aircraft to alternative markets, and implementing pricing changes. In fact, airfare has increased 12% in the first quarter of 2026 from the same time last year. As conditions evolve, airlines are continuing to closely monitor these trends.
Below is a snapshot of how major carriers are navigating the current environment.
Emirates
Current Capacity & Operations
Emirates experienced significant disruption early in the crisis, temporarily halting scheduled passenger operations between February 28th and March 4th, while maintaining limited repatriation and cargo services. The airline has since recovered to approximately 70% of its operating capacity.
Network / Route Adjustments
Operations are steadily stabilizing, with a focus on restoring long-haul service levels as conditions allow.
Pricing & Cost Actions
No specific pricing or surcharge actions have been publicly outlined. Emirates’ strong financial position is expected to support operational continuity through ongoing volatility.
Demand & Outlook
Emirates maintains a positive long-term outlook, citing strong bookings from late 2025 and early 2026 prior to the disruption. The airline continues to invest in fleet and expects long-haul demand to remain resilient.
Qatar Airways
Current Capacity & Operations
Qatar Airways is currently operating at approximately 40% capacity and does not expect a return to full operations until at least October.
Network / Route Adjustments
The airline has adapted to extended airspace disruptions, noting that while this is the longest such event, it is not unprecedented.
Pricing & Cost Actions
No specific pricing measures have been detailed, though operational adjustments reflect broader cost and capacity constraints.
Demand & Outlook
Qatar Airways is focused on reinforcing traveler confidence and maintaining a safe, reliable experience. Leadership emphasizes preparedness for ongoing volatility rather than viewing the situation as a one-time disruption.
Air France–KLM
Current Capacity & Operations
The group continues to operate globally but is managing the dual impact of higher fuel costs and longer flight routings due to airspace restrictions.
Network / Route Adjustments
Capacity is being reallocated, with aircraft previously serving the Middle East redeployed to North America, Africa, and Asia.
Pricing & Cost Actions
Air France–KLM has implemented internal cost controls to offset rising fuel expenses, including a hiring freeze and restrictions on employee travel.
Demand & Outlook
The group anticipates a longer-term impact from current conditions and is adjusting its network strategy accordingly to maintain efficiency.
American Airlines
Current Capacity & Operations
American states they are taking a cautious approach to operations in the Middle East. While broader network performance remains strong, the airline is proceeding carefully with any return to impacted regions.
Network / Route Adjustments
Service suspensions remain in place for key routes, including New York (JFK) – Tel Aviv (TLV) and Philadelphia (PHL) – Doha (DOH). Both routes are currently suspended through July 1, 2026, with plans to resume once conditions are deemed safe. Affected travelers are being re-accommodated under standard schedule change policies.
Pricing & Cost Actions
American has implemented targeted pricing adjustments, including increases to baggage fees. More broadly, average ticket prices have risen, reflecting industry-wide pressure from fuel costs and operational complexity.
Demand & Outlook
Demand remains relatively stable. Summer performance is trending positively, supported by new routes and expanded markets, with revenue metrics showing year-over-year improvement. However, some softening is expected in premium cabin demand as companies adjust travel spend.
In the UK market specifically, American reports no significant decline in demand, with higher average ticket prices driven by both cost pressures and sustained traveler demand.
United Airlines
Current Capacity & Operations
United Airlines has implemented a modest capacity reduction of approximately 5% in the near term, with plans to fully restore capacity in the fall. These adjustments are intended to align operations with current fuel cost pressures and evolving market conditions.
Network / Route Adjustments
Beyond previously impacted routes such as Tel Aviv (TLV) and Dubai (DXB), United has not announced additional major network changes. The airline continues to evaluate conditions but is maintaining stability across the broader network.
Pricing & Cost Actions
United is participating in industry-wide fare increases to help offset rising fuel costs, which could total more than $11 billion across the industry if current conditions persist through the end of the year. Despite these increases, pricing adjustments remain relatively measured compared to the scale of cost pressure.
Demand & Outlook
Demand remains strong overall, though United noted a slight softening in early April. The airline has not adjusted its long-term strategy and continues to view current conditions as a short-term disruption rather than a structural shift.
Delta Air Lines
Current Capacity & Operations
Delta is moderating capacity growth, with a more conservative approach in the near term as fuel price volatility continues.
Network / Route Adjustments
Adjustments are being made across Delta’s global network and joint ventures, with localized actions taken by partners to manage cost pressures.
Pricing & Cost Actions
While Delta does not publicly comment on specific pricing strategies, it acknowledges that fares may fluctuate based on fuel costs, demand, and broader market dynamics. The airline is actively taking steps to protect margins and manage rising operating costs.
Demand & Outlook
Delta states that demand remains high, and they expect to maintain financial performance despite current pressures. The airline highlights its strong financial position and operational flexibility as key advantages.
WestJet
Current Capacity & Operations
WestJet continues to operate its network while closely monitoring fuel supply constraints linked to the Strait of Hormuz. No immediate large-scale schedule changes have been confirmed, though adjustments remain under evaluation.
Network / Route Adjustments
The airline is consolidating flights on lower-demand routes and adjusting seasonal schedules. Capacity reductions are being implemented progressively, with approximately 1% in April, 3% in May, and 5.5% in June 2026. Impacted travelers are provided with re-accommodation options, most within the same day as their original departure.
Pricing & Cost Actions
WestJet has introduced targeted fuel surcharges, including a $60 surcharge on companion voucher bookings (effective April 8), and a $50 per person surcharge on select vacation packages (effective April 14). These measures are designed to offset rising fuel costs, which account for a significant portion of airline operating expenses.
Demand & Outlook
WestJet continues to monitor market conditions and fuel availability closely. While demand remains a consideration, the airline is focused on balancing supply, cost management, and operational stability.
What This Means for Your Travel Program
As airlines adjust capacity and availability, travel managers should expect continued variability across routes, overall traveler experience, and price. Lingering impacts will likely remain even once the conflict is resolved, and airlines are not expected to reduce fares as a result. Although disruption remains a factor, the majority of global air capacity is still operating, allowing essential travel to continue with the right planning and support in place.
In this environment, a proactive approach is key. Reviewing travel policies, communicating clearly with travelers, and building flexibility into booking strategies can help minimize disruption. Monitoring shifts in pricing and availability, particularly for long-haul and premium cabin travel, will also be important as conditions continue to evolve.
Equally critical is ensuring travelers have access to timely, reliable support. When plans change, the ability to quickly rebook, reroute, or respond to disruptions helps maintain both traveler confidence and program performance.
At Direct Travel, we’ll continue to monitor developments closely and support our clients with the insights, technology, and service needed to navigate changing conditions. With a trusted travel management partner, your program remains adaptable, your travelers stay supported, and your organization can move forward with confidence.
For Direct Travel clients in need of support with upcoming travel, reach out to your Account Manager or contact our team here.
