Should airlines say goodbye to Dubai?

Should airlines say goodbye to Dubai?

Author: Momentum Media March 4, 2026 Duration: 48:21

There is, as a wise journalist (no, not us, we said "wise") has pointed out, always an aviation angle. As Iranian bombs rained down across the Gulf following strikes by the US and Israel, countries like the UAE and Qatar suddenly found themselves uncomfortably less insulated than they thought, with even airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi being damaged in the crossfire.

Unfortunately, these countries also happen to be major global aviation hubs, and thousands of flights over the past few days have been cancelled, leaving passengers stranded – which raises the question: in the wake of the chaos, will cautious flyers start avoiding Europe flights through places like Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi in favour of less volatile hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong?

On this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and guest host Bethany Alvaro examine the Iran conflict's impact on aviation and ask whether Australian airlines and travellers have put too many of their eggs in the Gulf's basket.

Plus, half-yearly results are out for airlines on both sides of the Tasman – which carriers had a better six months than the others?


You'll find the Australian Aviation Podcast Network right at the intersection of runway tarmac and boardroom strategy. Produced by Momentum Media, this collection of shows digs into the stories that define flight in this part of the world, moving well beyond the headlines. Each episode feels like a hangar chat with the people who know the industry best-pilots, engineers, executives, and analysts-offering a grounded perspective on everything from the engineering marvels of new aircraft to the complex logistics of running an airline. We explore the sheer joy and freedom of recreational flying just as deeply as the tough commercial decisions that keep the sector aloft. Whether it's a discussion on sustainable fuel technologies, the revival of regional routes, or the history behind a beloved aircraft type, the conversation is always driven by genuine curiosity. Tune in for clear, informed talk that connects the dots between the business of aviation and the passion that fuels it, all delivered with a distinct Aussie lens. This podcast network is for anyone who feels that lift of anticipation when an aircraft throttles down the runway, or who simply wants to understand the forces that shape how we connect across this vast continent and beyond.
Author: Language: en-au Episodes: 100

Australian Aviation Podcast Network
Podcast Episodes
Qantas data hits the dark web [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:57
Just when Qantas thought the saga of its frequent flyer hack might be over, a fresh headache has hit the Flying Kangaroo as online miscreants published the stolen data on the dark web. The airline is warning customers to…
Making airports autism-friendly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:42
While most of us can navigate airports without a second thought, those with disabilities can find it much more difficult – and people who have hidden disabilities like autism face their own unique challenges. As airports…
Qantas' fleet future takes flight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:48
It's finally here – the biggest change to Qantas' domestic fleet in decades. The new A321XLR has joined the national carrier with its first commercial flight, and with 48 on order to replace the ageing 737-800s, it's the…
Cyber chaos at Europe's big airports [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:34
Spare a thought for anyone who's tried to get to or from Europe this week – not only is a "super typhoon" wreaking havoc in Hong Kong, but a massive ransomware attack over the weekend crippled several major airports in E…
E2, flown home [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:31
After almost 30 years in service, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines is finally allowing its old Fokkers to retire with the arrival of the Embraer E190-E2, the first of which touched down from Brazil this month. With an…
'Keep going until you can't' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:39
From joy-rides in a Mirage III fighter jet at age seven, to selling her home to help pay for flight lessons, to flying for Rex and eventually becoming one of the faces of Virgin Australia, Captain Michelle Huntington has…
The most wonderful time of the (financial) year [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:48
The sound of investor presentations and ASX releases can only mean one thing: results season has come again, bringing joy and cheer to all the good shareholders of the land – especially those who've invested in airlines.…
Should Qantas trim back its beard ban? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:41
As it recovers from massive fines and reputational headaches, Qantas has a new hairy problem to deal with over its move to make QantasLink flight crews adopt the same grooming standards as mainline Qantas and Jetstar pil…
Has Qantas learned its lesson? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:49
It's the largest corporate fine for industrial relations breaches in Australian history: a mammoth $90 million, handed down to Qantas for the illegal outsourcing of around 1,800 ground workers during the pandemic – on to…