State-owned Qatar Airways has reported a decline of more than 7 percent in annual net profit as the ongoing Iran war continues to disrupt regional aviation, forcing airlines across the Middle East to navigate one of the industry’s most severe crises since the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the airline’s latest financial statement released on Wednesday, Qatar Airways posted a net profit of 7.08 billion Qatari riyals, equivalent to approximately $1.94 billion, for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026. Passenger traffic also declined, with total travelers dropping to 41.8 million compared to 43.1 million recorded during the previous year.
The conflict, which erupted in late February, triggered temporary closures of critical Middle Eastern airspace corridors, resulting in thousands of flight cancellations, rerouting operations, and rising operational costs for major international carriers. Aviation analysts say the regional instability has placed extraordinary pressure on Gulf-based airlines that rely heavily on uninterrupted long-haul transit routes connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Despite the financial setback, Hamad Al-Khater expressed confidence in the airline’s recovery strategy, emphasizing the company’s strong financial position and operational resilience during the crisis. He stated that the airline is actively rebuilding its global schedule while strengthening strategic partnerships that proved critical during the height of the disruptions.
Qatar Airways also announced plans to expand its network to more than 160 global destinations by the upcoming summer season, signaling an aggressive effort to restore international connectivity and regain pre-conflict market momentum.
Major Gulf carriers, including Emirates, have gradually resumed suspended routes in recent weeks. However, industry experts warn that overall flight capacity across the region remains below pre-war levels, with renewed attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates this month raising fresh concerns over the durability of the fragile ceasefire established in April.
Aviation observers note that continued instability in the Middle East could have broader implications for global air travel, tourism, and international trade, particularly as the region remains one of the world’s most critical transit hubs for long-haul commercial aviation.
Qatar Airways Profit Falls Amid Iran War Disruptions, Carrier Pushes Global Network Recovery
