Emirates to offer incentives, safety assurances as Iran war hits travel

Emirates is preparing to offer incentives to passengers concerned about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, prioritizing safety assurances and reliable travel connections over fare reductions. Airline President Tim Clark indicated that the airline will maintain its current flight schedules, even as operational costs increase.

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all sorts of incentives other than price

Clark explained that the focus will be on "all sorts of incentives other than price" to encourage travelers to return. This includes enhanced safety measures and assurances for passengers. The airline also plans to address concerns about potential flight cancellations and passengers being stranded, offering to arrange travel on other carriers if necessary to ensure people can reach their destinations or return home.

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We'll take care of all of that, including flying them on other carriers if necessary to bring them home or get the kids into school.

The airline is actively engaging with governments and aviation regulators to ease restrictions on Middle Eastern airspace, which have been impacted by the regional conflict. Clark acknowledged the regulators' role in passenger protection but expressed a desire for governments to be less restrictive with their travel warnings for the region. Emirates is also involved in extensive intelligence-sharing with other airlines to guarantee safe operations.

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We are talking to them

While Emirates cannot immediately lower ticket prices due to fluctuating oil prices, Clark expressed hope for a strong summer season. He anticipates that oil prices will eventually stabilize, allowing for a return to more competitive pricing. The airline is currently experiencing first-class cabins that are about half full due to the ongoing conflict.

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We rely on governments to be a little less restrictive in the warnings they issue about travelling across the Middle East.