The warning comes as airlines across the globe grapple with higher operating expenses, disrupted flight schedules, and mounting geopolitical tensions affecting aviation routes and airport operations in the region.
Speaking on the sidelines of IATA’s annual summit in Rio de Janeiro, Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, said delaying aircraft deliveries could ultimately prove more expensive for airlines than proceeding with existing expansion plans.
According to him, the region’s carriers — among the largest customers of aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus — should remain committed to their long-term fleet strategies despite the current turbulence.
“Deferrals are not wise because that deferral will cost you,” Al-Awadhi said, pointing to the lengthy waiting periods airlines already face when ordering new aircraft.
The aviation executive noted that demand for new-generation aircraft remains exceptionally strong, particularly for Airbus’ popular single-aisle models, creating significant delivery backlogs that could leave airlines waiting years for replacement slots if they decide to postpone orders now.
Given the extended production timelines, he argued that carriers risk losing valuable growth opportunities if they delay purchases in response to short-term market uncertainty.
“The plan is to continue where we're going ... even though this is a hiccup,” he added.
Rising Costs and Regional Disruptions
The ongoing conflict has placed additional pressure on airlines already dealing with elevated fuel prices and operational challenges.
Across the industry, carriers have responded by reducing flight frequencies, adjusting schedules, and increasing fares and service charges to offset rising costs. At the same time, several airports in the Middle East have faced disruptions linked to military activity and air strikes associated with the conflict.
Despite these challenges, Al-Awadhi indicated that the region’s airlines are expected to maintain their long-term investment plans, arguing that aviation demand remains strong and future growth prospects continue to outweigh current difficulties.
Concerns Over Damage to Kuwait Airport Terminal
Al-Awadhi also expressed concern about the impact of a recent Iranian attack that struck an airport facility in Kuwait, killing one person and damaging a terminal used primarily by foreign airlines.
Based on images and videos he had reviewed, the IATA executive suggested that repairing the affected facility could take a considerable amount of time.
“My personal guess, looking at the damage from the videos and pictures that were sent to me, it’s going to take ages,” he said.
He estimated that reconstruction efforts could take at least a year, raising questions about how international carriers will continue operating in Kuwait during that period.
“So my concern is, will the other carriers be able to go into Kuwait?” he asked.
Kuwait May Need Temporary Solutions
According to Al-Awadhi, Kuwaiti authorities may need to adopt temporary measures to minimise disruptions to international air traffic.
Possible options include accelerating work on sections of a new airport terminal currently under development or permitting foreign airlines to operate from facilities currently designated for domestic carriers, including those used by Kuwait Airways.
Such arrangements, he noted, would require extensive coordination among airport authorities, airlines, and government agencies.
“It will take some tough decisions and logistics to get that sorted,” he added.
Industry Focused on Long-Term Growth
While geopolitical tensions continue to create uncertainty for the aviation sector, industry leaders remain focused on long-term growth and fleet expansion.
For many Middle Eastern carriers, maintaining aircraft orders is viewed as essential to preserving future competitiveness, particularly as global demand for newer, fuel-efficient aircraft continues to outpace manufacturers’ ability to supply them.
Al-Awadhi’s comments underscore a broader industry belief that short-term disruptions, while challenging, should not derail long-term investment plans that are critical to meeting future passenger demand and sustaining growth in one of the world's fastest-expanding aviation markets.