Emirates Faces Drastically Low Passenger Numbers Due To Regional Conflict

Emirates Airlines is operating some flights to Dubai with extremely low passenger numbers as travelers avoid the Persian Gulf amid ongoing regional tensions, highlighting the challenges faced by the world’s largest international carrier in maintaining its network during the protracted conflict. According to internal data reviewed by Bloomberg, flights returning from destinations in the US and Europe have been the hardest hit, with planes from Prague and Budapest operating at just 5% to 10% occupancy.

Several long-haul flights from New York carried only about 20% of their seating capacity, and at least one Airbus A380 jumbo jet departed with fewer than 35 passengers despite typically seating close to 500. Departures from Chicago similarly ran with half-empty cabins. By contrast, outbound flights from Dubai show stronger occupancy, as passengers continue to depart the city on a limited number of available flights.

The airline is also managing several thousand no-shows daily on outbound flights, prompting Emirates to offer refunds and flexible rescheduling through the end of the month. “Given the circumstances, current inbound occupancy is unsurprisingly light,” an official said, emphasizing that the carrier is continuing to restore its network safely. Before the war, Emirates operated roughly 500 daily flights out of Dubai International Airport; that number fell to 71 takeoffs on March 16, according to Flightradar24.

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To offset low passenger demand, Emirates has been loading cargo onto aircraft, particularly perishable goods, generating an alternative revenue stream. The airline is prioritizing Boeing 777 planes for cargo efficiency, given the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has limited other supply routes. The airline has also faced operational disruptions from Iranian missile threats and drone incidents, including a temporary suspension of flights following a fuel-tank fire at Dubai International Airport.

Other major Gulf carriers, including Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways, have resumed limited operations focused on transporting stranded passengers. Emirates, however, continues to operate significantly more flights than its regional competitors, including at least six times the number of flights as Qatar Airways.

Despite the operational challenges, forward bookings remain weak, with inbound flights averaging only about one-third of typical capacity ahead of the busy Easter season. Emirates President Tim Clark has not publicly commented on the situation, though the airline maintains updates online and continues daily flights along safe corridors to ensure connectivity while safeguarding crew and passengers.

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