Emirates says no impact of US-Iran tensions on demand, operations are normal
[Editor's note: For the latest updates on US-Iran tensions, follow Khaleej Times' live blog.] Emirates airline is operating its flights as scheduled despite US-Iran tensions, shrugging off any concerns about regional geopolitical conflicts, a senior official said on Wednesday.During a media briefing in Dubai, Adel Al Redha, deputy president and chief operations officer at Emirates, said there has been no impact on demand due to regional tensions, and it’s business as usual for Dubai’s flagship carrier.“It is very difficult for us to predict any outcome, but so far, we have not seen any impact on the demand. Our operations are normal and operating as scheduled,” he told reporters.Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.US President Donald Trump on Wednesday urged Iran again to come to the table and make a deal on nuclear weapons, or the next US attack would be far worse.“Hopefully Iran will quickly 'Come to the Table' and negotiate a fair and equitable deal — no nuclear weapons — one that is good for all parties. Time is running out; it is truly of the essence!” Trump said in a social media post.Impact on airlinesSome Asian and European airlines have suspended and rerouted Middle East flights, fearing tensions could escalate anytime between the US and Iran. Dutch carrier KLM and Germany’s Lufthansa suspended regional flights. Similarly, India’s IndiGo cancelled selected international flights amidst security concerns. Flydubai had also suspended Iranian flights for a few days.“Other airlines’ frequency has a different way of assessing the situation. It is easier to stop one flight to a destination than to deal with the suspension of the whole network,” Al Redha said.Emirates, recently rated among the world’s safest airlines, has an extensive network spanning across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, Australia and the Middle East.Free Starlink WiFiApart from the geopolitical friction in the region, Al Redha said that the free WiFi facility offered through Starlink has received a good response from passengers.In November 2025, Emirates announced a plan to deploy Starlink Wi-Fi across its entire in-service fleet, beginning with Boeing 777 aircraft in November 2025 and completing the rollout by mid-2027.“We have completed 10 Boeing 777 aircraft with the Starlink to provide enhanced WiFi connectivity to our passengers,” he added.UAE: Flydubai revises flight schedule after Iran airspace closureAir France resumes flights to Dubai after suspension due to geopolitical situationUAE will not allow use of airspace, territory, waters for attacks on Iran: Ministry
[Editor's note: For the latest updates on US-Iran tensions, follow Khaleej Times' live blog.]
Emirates airline is operating its flights as scheduled despite US-Iran tensions, shrugging off any concerns about regional geopolitical conflicts, a senior official said on Wednesday.
During a media briefing in Dubai, Adel Al Redha, deputy president and chief operations officer at Emirates, said there has been no impact on demand due to regional tensions, and it’s business as usual for Dubai’s flagship carrier.
“It is very difficult for us to predict any outcome, but so far, we have not seen any impact on the demand. Our operations are normal and operating as scheduled,” he told reporters.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday urged Iran again to come to the table and make a deal on nuclear weapons, or the next US attack would be far worse.
“Hopefully Iran will quickly 'Come to the Table' and negotiate a fair and equitable deal — no nuclear weapons — one that is good for all parties. Time is running out; it is truly of the essence!” Trump said in a social media post.
Impact on airlines
Some Asian and European airlines have suspended and rerouted Middle East flights, fearing tensions could escalate anytime between the US and Iran. Dutch carrier KLM and Germany’s Lufthansa suspended regional flights. Similarly, India’s IndiGo cancelled selected international flights amidst security concerns. Flydubai had also suspended Iranian flights for a few days.
“Other airlines’ frequency has a different way of assessing the situation. It is easier to stop one flight to a destination than to deal with the suspension of the whole network,” Al Redha said.
Emirates, recently rated among the world’s safest airlines, has an extensive network spanning across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, Australia and the Middle East.
Free Starlink WiFi
Apart from the geopolitical friction in the region, Al Redha said that the free WiFi facility offered through Starlink has received a good response from passengers.
In November 2025, Emirates announced a plan to deploy Starlink Wi-Fi across its entire in-service fleet, beginning with Boeing 777 aircraft in November 2025 and completing the rollout by mid-2027.
“We have completed 10 Boeing 777 aircraft with the Starlink to provide enhanced WiFi connectivity to our passengers,” he added.
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