A prolonged conflict in the Middle East has significantly disrupted global air travel, impacting major Gulf aviation hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. This disruption threatens the successful "Gulf model" of aviation which has made long-distance travel more affordable.

• More than 3,000 flights normally operate daily through these Gulf airports; the conflict has led to widespread cancellations.
• Key airlines affected include Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways, with disruptions causing passenger stranded and increased fuel prices.
• Experts warn that a prolonged conflict could permanently deter travelers and lead to a significant increase in long-haul airfares globally, as European carriers lack the capacity to replace the Gulf hubs.

Skyward Airlines will increase its ticket prices starting April 1, 2026, due to escalating aviation fuel costs. The airline will implement a fuel surcharge on all tickets to address higher operating expenses and maintain sustainable operations.

• A new fuel surcharge will be introduced on all tickets.
• The primary organization involved is Skyward Airlines.
• The price hike is linked to global supply disruptions and rising fuel costs, exacerbated by tensions in the Middle East affecting key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz.

South Korea is expanding fuel tax cuts to ease financial pressure on citizens amidst ongoing Middle East conflict.

• Fuel tax reduction rates will increase to 15 percent for gasoline and 25 percent for diesel starting Friday.
• The Ministry of Economy and Finance announced the measures.
• The tax cut extension will run until the end of May, aiming to stabilize public livelihoods against inflationary pressures from geopolitical risks.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) projects global economic growth to slow to 2.9 percent in 2026, citing Middle East tensions as a significant risk factor.

• Global growth forecast: 2.9% in 2026, down from 3.3% in 2025.
• Key organization: OECD, issuing its latest Economic Outlook.
• Major concern: Evolving Middle East conflict could lead to sustained higher energy prices, impacting business costs and consumer inflation.