Former Etihad boss ‘disappointed’ in European carriers using war to question Gulf model

Aviation

May 07, 2026

Former Etihad Airways boss James Hogan has dismissed criticism by European carriers of the Gulf aviation model amid war-related disruption, saying regional airlines will bounce back soon.

European airline executives, including of Air France-KLM and Lufthansa as well as the Airlines for Europe (A4E) association, in March said the Iran war highlighted how dependent Europe was on Gulf carriers and called for change.

However, Mr Hogan stressed that Gulf airlines offer not only connectivity across the world, but also superior levels of service.

Former Etihad boss ‘disappointed’ in European carriers using war to question Gulf model | The National

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