1. IAG says corporate demand stays strong, led by technology and banking
IAG, the parent of British Airways, reported third-quarter revenue up 4.5% to €9.4 billion and said corporate travel demand stayed strong both before and after the Iran conflict, "particularly in technology and banking" (Business Travel News). British Airways said business travel demand into Asia-Pacific rose by more than 11% in the quarter. It also described London as "a really strong alternative for corporates who have been bypassing the Gulf gateways" (Business Travel News). Fuel costs rose €565 million year on year, operating profit fell 15.9% to €1.7 billion, and IAG now expects capacity for the full year to be slightly below 2025 (Business Travel News).
WBTF view: Corporate demand is holding up, but some of it has moved away from Gulf hubs for now. As carriers return to the region, the case for Dubai as a connecting hub will need to be made again with buyers.
2. Premium cabins drive Air France-KLM, while KLM cuts deeper
Air France-KLM's adjusted operating profit for the third quarter rose €126 million to €1.35 billion, ahead of analysts' expectations, and revenue increased 7.6% to €9.9 billion (Air France-KLM). Unit revenue in La Première and Business rose 11.5%, compared with 5% in Economy (Il Sole 24 Ore). The group raised its 2026 fuel bill forecast to US$9.2 billion. KLM announced a restructuring affecting about 5,000 positions, with around 1,000 roles disappearing over the coming years (AeroTime).
WBTF view: Premium travellers are paying for airlines' fuel bills. Buyers should expect carriers to protect their premium yields in 2027 contract negotiations.
3. Fuel costs push more airlines to cut capacity
At an investor conference this week, American Airlines said its fourth-quarter fuel price is about US$1 per gallon higher than it assumed in July, adding about US$1 billion in expected costs. United Airlines is cancelling some flights planned for December (Global Agents). Low-cost carriers including Ryanair, Transavia, Volotea and AirAsia X are also reducing flights as the price of jet fuel rises (The Daily Star).
WBTF view: Fewer seats and higher fares go together. Travel programmes may need to book earlier and widen their choice of carriers to keep costs under control.
4. Dubai's events calendar peaks as Saudi links stay uneven
Dubai World Trade Centre is hosting 20 exhibitions and events in November, its busiest month of 2026, including Automechanika Dubai, the World Police Summit and Big 5 Global (Dubai Media Office). Air links to Saudi Arabia remain uneven. flydubai has suspended Riyadh and Abha flights until 16 November and resumes Dammam on 10 November, while Etihad has cancelled Abu Dhabi–Dammam and Abu Dhabi–Riyadh services until 19 November (Gulf News).
WBTF view: Dubai's events business is operating at full capacity, which is the best sign of confidence in the city. Delegates travelling from within the region should still check their routings close to departure.
5. Travel management companies add AI assistants and open connections
Corporate Traveller has launched Mel, an AI travel assistant built into its Melon platform. Mel gives SME travellers personalised answers based on their own preferences and their company's travel policy (The Business Travel Magazine). BCD Travel has deepened its alliance with Mobilexpense to connect travel and expense for companies with large European operations. Addison Lee now lets its UK customers book ground transport in more than 40 business destinations worldwide (The Business Travel Magazine).
WBTF view: In many SMEs, one person manages travel alongside another job. AI that applies the travel policy automatically could do more for them than almost any other tool.
Why this matters for WBTF Dubai, 3 February 2027
Today's stories show corporate travel demand holding firm while fuel sets the price, and some corporate traffic has bypassed Gulf hubs for now. That makes Dubai on 3 February 2027 the right place to have this conversation. The 4th edition of the World Business Travel Forum will bring together 70 to 100 senior buyers, travel managers and suppliers for one day of practical exchange on 2027 budgets, routings and suppliers. It also sets the agenda for the larger annual World Business Travel Forum later in 2027.
Join the conversation: worldbusinesstravelforum.com
There is no business without business travel.