Middle Eastern airlines to fight back for traffic lost to Asian rivals

Dhaka: Middle Eastern carriers are preparing to aggressively win back passengers who shifted to Asian hubs during the recent regional disruptions, according to the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA).

In a recent media interview, AAPA Director General Wong Hong said the Gulf-based airlines will not give up easily and will likely recover some of the business they lost over the past four months.

However, he said it remains uncertain whether they can return to their previous market share.

Since tensions began in the Middle East, several Asia Pacific airlines have recorded an increase in transit traffic as travelers chose alternative routes via Asian hubs.

Cathay Pacific said in April that the disruptions had moved passenger demand toward other aviation hubs, with more travelers connecting through Hong Kong. The airline has since added flights and boosted capacity to Europe.

Regarding airfares, Hong said it is difficult to predict whether prices will rise or fall. He explained that fares depend on market conditions and how aggressively airlines compete for passengers.

According to him, airlines must remain realistic about what the market can bear and what customers are willing to pay.

Airlines are also closely monitoring fuel prices as the industry approaches the end of the year.

Hong said regional carriers are hoping for a return to normal operations, with fuel prices settling at more manageable levels.

He expressed hope that the industry can put the fuel crisis behind it, provided there are no major surprises.

If demand holds up despite inflationary risks, he expects the industry to return to business as usual in 2027.