Qatar, Etihad & Emirates status extensions

Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways – the three powerhouse airlines of the Gulf region – have revealed their plans to help frequent flyers retain their cherished status in the face of ongoing airspace closures and flight disruptions.

It should be noted that these are initial plans, and could simply be a first step – as with the pandemic, which brought global travel to a halt almost six years ago this month, airlines can easily extend and beef up these status-protection measures to suit the conditions.

Qatar Airways status extensions

Qatar Airways is offering a three-month extension for Privilege Club Silver, Gold and Platinum frequent flyers.

The airline is now in the process of emailing those whose membership year is ending in the coming months.

“In recognition of your loyalty, we are implementing tier status extensions for all members whose status was due to be renewed and may have been affected during this period, allowing them to continue enjoying the benefits they love,” says Qatar Airways Group CEO Hamad Al-Khater in the email.

Emirates status extensions

Emirates is taking a two-pronged approach for its Skywards rewards program, according to Skywards chief Nejib Ben Khedher.

“We're helping members who would have downgraded between 31 March and 31 May to retain their tier and give them up to 30 June 2026 to progress in their Emirates Skywards journey once travel plans resume.”

“Likewise, Emirates Skywards Silver, Gold and Platinum members with a tier review date on or before 31 May 2026 will retain their current status, with the review date deferred until 30 June 2026.”

In addition, “Skywards Miles due to expire in March, April or May can now be spent on rewards until 30 June 2026, so members don't miss out on the rewards earned.”

Etihad Airways status extensions

For its part, Etihad has immediately reduced the tier requirements for status retention or upgrades (from one tier to the next) for all Etihad Guest members by 25%.

This applies to members who already held Etihad Guest Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum status on March 18, 2026, and runs through March 31, 2027.