Navigating the Turbulence

The Middle East, a pivotal hub for global aviation, has consistently faced geopolitical challenges that test the resilience of its aviation sector. The Israel-Gaza conflict, marked by periods of heightened tension and conflict, casts a shadow over the region’s stability and operational efficiency. In this article, we explore how the Middle East aviation sector is actively working to fine-tune its resilience in the face of challenges posed by the Israel-Gaza war, examining the impact on airlines, airport operations, air cargo, increased costs, and the broader economic repercussions.

Airlines and Operational Challenges

The Middle East’s aviation industry, known for its strategic global transit position, encounters distinctive challenges due to regional instability. Recent revelations from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) underscore the operational hurdles faced by airlines in the Middle East, encompassing disruptions to flight schedules, rerouting, and heightened complexities.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in Abu Dhabi, continues its flights to Israel despite the challenges. Antonoaldo Neves, the CEO of Etihad, acknowledges the impact, stating, “Our demand to Israel is still there. But it’s not as big as it was in the past.” He reassures the commitment to safety, expressing hope for a swift resolution to the conflict.

Addressing the operational challenges during a neighbouring conflict, Samer Al Majali, Chief Executive of Royal Jordanian in Amman, sheds light on the significant impact on their operations. He emphasizes the substantial expenses incurred due to flight diversions for security reasons, escalating fuel costs, and a decline in international visitors.

Al Majali underscores the adverse effects, stating, “As the closest country to this recent event, we are quite adversely affected by all that’s happening.” Describing the current difficulties, he details, “Flying westbound is currently challenging, even though the airspace is open. However, security considerations prevent us from flying in that direction. The northern route is also problematic, given Jordan’s geographical constraints.”

Elaborating on the altered flight paths, he notes, “Most of our flights now must take a southward route, heading down to the Red Sea, crossing the Sinai Peninsula, then traveling north into Egypt before heading up to Europe. This extensive detour significantly increases our fuel costs. Moreover, the crisis has led to a surge in fuel prices. Simultaneously, we’ve witnessed a substantial decline in tourism, which is a vital economic sector for Jordan. The country heavily relies on tourism, and we’ve observed a notable decrease in reservations.”

Data from travel analysis firm ForwardKeys reveals a significant 49% year-on-year decrease in tickets to Jordan. Iconic destinations like Petra, historically attractive to tourists, have experienced a decline, impacting the tourism sector that often incorporates visits to both Jordan and Israel in packaged tours.

This snapshot of the challenges faced by Middle Eastern airlines and the impact on tourism highlights the intricate web of issues arising from the Israel-Gaza conflict. The region’s aviation industry remains resilient, navigating through complexities with the hope for stability and a return to normalized operations.

Airport Operations and Security

Airports are the lifeblood of aviation, and the Middle East is home to some of the world’s busiest. The Israel-Gaza conflict has prompted a revaluation of airport operations and security measures to ensure the safety of passengers and the smooth flow of traffic.

International arrivals to the Middle East meanwhile plunged by 26 percentage points in that time frame, with the biggest drops by country being Israel, followed by Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Lebanon. Forward Keys draws its data from the International Air Transport Association’s industrywide ticketing database which includes major international carriers, but not budget airlines like easyJet or Ryanair.

Major U.S.-based airlines that previously offered regular service to Tel Aviv, including American, Delta and United, have issued travel alerts for the Middle East and suspended all flights to Israel. United has also issued a travel alert for its flights to Amman, Jordan, but service there is continuing.

With Delta having already extended the dates of its rebooking provisions, Keyes said, “it’s all but certain other U.S. airlines will extend their travel waivers for at least as long as the escalated hostilities continue.”

At airports and other transportation hubs, “travellers can expect to see a larger law enforcement and canine presence,” said Robert Langston, a spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration.

Disruption to Air Cargo

The Middle East serves as a crucial hub for air cargo, facilitating the transportation of goods between Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Israel-Gaza conflict has introduced disruptions to air cargo operations, impacting supply chains and trade routes.

UK forwarder Kintetsu World Express also warned on October 11 that it might not be able to accept cargo to and from Israel, after Europe, US, and Asia carriers suspended flights to and from Israel, though it noted that Tel Aviv and Ramon airports remained open.

Kuehne and Nagel (K+N) said in an update: “As of now, KN TLV offices remain fully functional and operational.”

The logistics company added that “while international airlines have suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv, it is worth noting that TLV airport remains open. We would like to highlight that EL AL and Cal Airlines are still providing services, thus offering alternative transportation options for your cargo needs”.

Increased Costs

Navigating geopolitical challenges comes at a cost for airlines and other stakeholders in the Middle East aviation sector. The need for heightened security measures, rerouting, and operational adjustments contributes to increased operational costs.

Economic Repercussions

Beyond the aviation sector, the Israel-Gaza conflict has broader economic repercussions for the Middle East. The interconnectedness of aviation with trade, tourism, and overall economic activity underscores the need for a holistic approach to resilience.

Coordinated Resilience Strategies

In response to these challenges, the Middle East aviation sector is actively engaged in developing and implementing resilience strategies to navigate geopolitical uncertainties.

“I think near term conflicts and challenges are difficult or tragic in many cases, but in many ways, aviation is the great connector. It brings people together, it’s so important for the functioning of global economies, and the Middle East is a key, uh, crossroads of people and economies, and the way that these global hubs function with efficient transportation is just, essential to the continued growth in these markets”, said Darren Hulst, Vice President- Commercial Marketing, Boeing

Recent industry forums, such as the Middle East Aviation Resilience Summit, have brought together airlines, airports, and regulatory bodies to share insights and best practices. Collaborative efforts aim to establish standardized protocols and enhance coordination during periods of geopolitical tension.

Investment in technological innovation is a focal point for resilience. Advanced security technologies, digitalization of operational processes, and data analytics are being leveraged to enhance the efficiency and adaptability of the Middle East aviation sector.

Governments in the Middle East are playing a pivotal role in supporting the aviation sector. Initiatives include financial assistance, streamlined regulatory processes, and diplomatic efforts to address geopolitical challenges that impact the stability of air travel.

The Israel-Gaza conflict poses unique challenges to the Middle East aviation sector, requiring a multifaceted approach to resilience. Recent research findings highlight the measurable impact on airlines, airport operations, air cargo, increased costs, and economic repercussions. Through industry collaboration, technological innovation, and governmental support, the Middle East is actively working to fine-tune its resilience, ensuring the continued vitality of its aviation sector in the face of geopolitical uncertainties. As the region navigates through turbulence, the lessons learned, and adaptive strategies implemented will shape the future of Middle East aviation.