Etihad and Qatar Ease Loyalty Rules as Gulf Flight Disruption Continues

Two major Gulf airlines have relaxed loyalty rules as the war involving the US, Israel, and Iran continues to disrupt regional air travel.

On March 18, Etihad said Etihad Guest members can now retain or reach elite status with 25 percent fewer qualifying miles. Qatar Airways has also begun offering tier extensions to some Privilege Club members whose renewal periods were affected by the disruption.

Airlines are trying to protect their most valuable travelers

Loyalty programs are built around regular flying. Passengers earn status by traveling often and meeting fixed annual targets. But that system becomes harder to maintain when flights are cut, rerouted, or suspended.

Disruption in the region is starting to affect customer strategy, not just operations. Easing status rules helps carriers hold onto premium travelers at a time when many of them simply do not have a normal chance to fly.

Etihad gave members a clear and simple offer

Etihad said eligible members will need 25 percent fewer qualifying miles to retain or upgrade their tier. According to the published terms, the offer applies to members who already held Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum status on March 18, 2026, and it runs through March 31, 2027.

Qatar Airways took a similar step, but with less detail

Qatar Airways has moved in the same direction, though with a less specific public explanation. The airline told members that tier extensions will be offered to travelers whose renewals fell during the disruption period and who may have been affected.

At the same time, Qatar Airways has said it is operating only a revised limited schedule after the closure of Qatari airspace.

The partial restart of Qatar Airways’ Doha flights also points to a broader trend: the region’s airline crisis is no longer only about immediate disruption, but about an uneven and uncertain recovery. In that context, loyalty changes look like part of a wider response to prolonged instability.

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