SIA, Cathay could gain from Gulf conflict but Asia-Pacific carriers face longer-term price hikes

[SINGAPORE] As airport closures stunt travel in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific carriers could stand to benefit in the weeks to come, although a prolonged conflict could eventually mean higher air ticket and freight prices.

“With (Middle East air hubs) closed, Asia-Pacific carriers with many flights to Europe – like Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific – could benefit in the short run,” said Terence Fan, an assistant professor of strategy and entrepreneurship (education) at the Singapore Management University (SMU).

Linus Benjamin Bauer, founder and managing director of aviation consultancy BAA & Partners, said that in the short term, ticket prices for Europe-Asia and Middle East-Asia routes may “rise modestly to reflect higher costs”.