Emirates to keep flights running despite Middle East war pressures

Where Diplomacy Meets News

Emirates to keep flights running despite Middle East war pressures

June 9, 2026

DUBAI,— Emirates president Tim Clark said Tuesday that a prolonged Iran conflict could strain weaker airlines, warning budget carriers would be most vulnerable, while stressing Emirates would maintain capacity despite financial pressure.

He told Reuters that “If this crisis goes on for too long, there will be some casualties, likely in the budget airline sector first,” echoing IATA chief Willie Walsh’s remarks over the weekend.

Emirates said it would keep operating flights via Dubai to destinations including India and Australia, while taking precautions such as carrying extra fuel and expanding free Starlink connectivity across aircraft, which Clark said was boosting demand.

“We have no intention of cutting back, reducing,” he told reporters ahead of the Berlin Air Show, adding the state-backed airline was not concerned about additional costs.

Clark said Emirates expected strong demand in Berlin and has pursued access for decades, lobbying successive governments since the 1990s.

The airline has secured airport slots in Berlin but still lacks approval to operate, while seeking broader expansion in Germany.

He also rejected Lufthansa’s (LHAG.DE), opens new tab criticism that Gulf carriers enjoyed an unfair regulatory advantage, saying the German flag carrier had also received state aid.

“It is a listed company, and it needs to fight its own corner without going to the government and hiding behind its skirts,” he said.

Clark reiterated Emirates would continue operations without capacity cuts despite conflict-related pressure, maintaining its long-term growth strategy in international aviation markets from Dubai hub operations network

(With files from Reuters)