Qatar Airways, one of the world’s leading airlines, has called the current tension with Iran the most serious crisis it has encountered in over thirty years of operation, according to its general director, Hamad Al-Khater. During an interview with Bloomberg TV at the Qatar Economic Forum in New York, Al-Khater outlined the challenges the airline faces, including airspace closures, rising fuel costs, and changes in customer booking behavior. Despite these difficulties, he noted that demand for air travel has remained robust. The conflict has significantly disrupted air traffic in a region that serves as a vital hub for international travel. Several Gulf nations have temporarily closed their airspace, causing the cancellation of numerous flights. Qatar Airways had previously suspended its flights to and from its Doha hub in late February when Qatari airspace was closed, but it has since worked to gradually restore its flight schedule. To adapt to the ongoing situation, Qatar Airways is reviewing its route network to focus on the most profitable destinations. "We are examining routes by asking which are the most profitable. The less profitable ones, we suspend or put on hold," Al-Khater explained. This strategy aims to optimize capacity and reduce costs, particularly as rising fuel prices continue to weigh heavily on the airline's finances. The conflict with Iran has had a significant financial impact on Qatar Airways, though the company has not disclosed the exact loss attributable to the crisis. It reported a net profit of $1.94 billion for the fiscal year 2025–2026, a slight decrease of over 7% compared to the previous year. The airline transported 41.8 million passengers during that time, down from 43.1 million the year before. However, it has since recovered 85% of its pre-crisis operations, with over 140 daily flights from Doha to more than 160 destinations. While the number of routes has been restored, not all flight frequencies or capacities have returned to pre-crisis levels. Al-Khater also noted a shift in customer behavior, with 75% of Qatar Airways passengers now booking flights less than 60 days before departure. "Passengers are booking later, but demand remains strong," he said. However, he acknowledged that transit traffic through the Middle East remains lower than before the crisis. When asked about rising fuel prices, Al-Khater stated that the airline is not currently passing on the increased costs to customers, emphasizing that safety and the well-being of passengers and staff remain the top priorities.