East African aviation majors Ethiopian Airlines (ET) and Kenya Airways (KQ) are poised to gain from the ongoing Middle East conflict, while smaller carriers RwandAir and Air Tanzania risk losing revenue from key destinations in the region. Aviation analysts say the widespread disruption of Middle East airspace, a critical gateway linking Europe and Asia, could redirect some passengers through alternative hubs such as Nairobi and Addis Ababa, boosting demand for KQ and ET and helping offset losses from cancelled Middle East flights. RwandAir, Uganda Airlines and Air Tanzania, on the other hand, risk losing revenue from cancelled flights to the Middle East, particularly Dubai, one of their most lucrative routes. Other major airports across Africa, including in Ethiopia, Egypt and South Africa, have also reported a sudden influx in passenger numbers in the wake of the Middle East conflict. Nonetheless, the closure of Middle East airspace is still expected to hit it as Dubai is one of the few long-haul routes it currently serves.

Source: Ethiopian News March 09, 2026 06:38 UTC