Etihad Airways has enhanced its Etihad Guest loyalty programme, introducing greater flexibility for members as travel patterns across the region adjust.

From March 18, the Abu Dhabi-based carrier reportedly reduced its tier qualification thresholds by 25 per cent across all membership levels, allowing travellers to retain or upgrade their status with fewer miles.

“The adjustment provides greater flexibility for members whose travel plans may have been affected in recent weeks,” Etihad Airways said in a statement.

The airline added: “The change recognises that many members have experienced disruptions to their travel plans in recent weeks and provides greater flexibility for members working towards retaining or upgrading their tier status.”

Etihad Guest members earn tier miles on flights, which can be redeemed for journeys, hotel stays and holidays.

The reduced thresholds have been automatically applied to all members and will remain in place until March 31, 2027, giving travellers additional time to plan and maintain their status.

Etihad is also offering free cancellation for bookings made for travel up to March 2027, reinforcing its focus on customer flexibility, according to a report by The Independent.

Qatar Airways introduces similar support

Across the region, airlines have been adjusting operations in response to changing conditions, with carriers prioritising customer experience and loyalty during this period.

Qatar Airways has also introduced measures for its Privilege Club members, extending tier status for travellers whose renewals may have been affected.

In a communication to members, the airline said it is “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”.

The Privilege Club programme uses Avios points, which can be redeemed for flights, cabin upgrades and hotel stays.

Together, the changes underline how leading regional carriers are strengthening customer loyalty, offering flexibility and reassurance to frequent flyers as travel plans adjust.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if Tehran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, marking a significant escalation barely a day after he spoke about “winding down” the war.

“If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!” Trump said on social media.

Trump’s ultimatum would expand the scope of US strikes to infrastructure that affects daily civilian life in Iran.

The threat of Iranian attacks has kept most ships from getting through the strait, a narrow waterway that serves as the conduit for around a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, raising the risk of a global energy shock. Its near-closure sent European gas prices surging by as much as 35 per cent last week.

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military command headquarters said on Sunday that if the US attacks Iran’s fuel and energy infrastructure, Tehran would target all US energy, information technology and desalination infrastructure in the region.

Energy prices spiked last week after Iran responded to an Israeli attack on its major gas field by hitting Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, which processes around a fifth of the world’s liquefied natural gas, causing damage that will take years to repair.

Israeli officials said Iranian forces had for the first time fired long-range missiles, expanding the risk of attacks beyond the Middle East, even as an Iranian strike injured dozens of people not far from Israel’s nuclear site.

Iran launched two ballistic missiles with a range of 4,000 km (2,500 miles) at the US-British military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir said. The Israeli military said it was the first time Iran had used long-range missiles since the United States and Israel began attacking Iran on February 28.

A source at Britain’s defence ministry said the attack had occurred before the government gave specific authorisation on Friday for the US to use British military bases to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites.

More than 2,000 people have been killed during the war. In Israel, 15 people have been killed in Iranian strikes.

Saudi Arabia informed Iran’s military attaché, his assistant and three members of the embassy staff that they must leave the kingdom within 24 hours after being declared persona non grata, the Saudi foreign ministry said on Saturday, citing what it described as continued Iranian attacks on Saudi territory.

Saudi Arabia has come under attack by hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran, the vast majority of which have been intercepted, authorities said.

The ministry said in a statement that continued Iranian attacks would lead to further escalation and have “significant consequences” for current and future relations.

On Wednesday, the Saudi foreign minister said the kingdom reserved the right to act militarily against Iran, adding that any trust with Tehran had been shattered following recent attacks.

Saudi Arabia and Iran re-established diplomatic ties in 2023 as part of efforts to calm tensions after years of enmity that saw them back opposing political and military factions in the region.

The US-Israeli war on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent attacks on Gulf neighbours have disrupted oil and natural gas exports from the Middle East and forced production stoppages.

More than 20 countries — including the likes of the UAE, UK, France and Japan — have issued a joint statement on the Strait of Hormuz, warning of growing risks to global energy markets and international security.

The statement, published by Emirates News Agency (WAM) on Saturday, criticised what it described as attacks on unarmed commercial vessels, strikes on civilian infrastructure, and the “de facto closure” of one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.

“We condemn in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf,” the statement said, adding that the disruption of shipping lanes and energy infrastructure poses a threat to international peace and security.

The signatories also called on Iran to immediately halt activities including the laying of mines, drone and missile attacks, and any actions that obstruct commercial navigation through the strait.

Global energy risk intensifies

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for global oil and gas flows, with a significant share of the world’s energy supplies passing through the narrow waterway.

The joint statement warned that any sustained disruption would have far-reaching consequences, particularly for vulnerable economies dependent on stable energy supplies.

“The effects of Iran’s actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable,” the statement noted.

In response to the escalating situation, the countries welcomed a move by the International Energy Agency (IEA) to release strategic petroleum reserves, aimed at stabilising global markets amid rising uncertainty.

They also signalled plans to work with major energy producers to increase output where possible.

Call for maritime security and de-escalation

The joint statement reiterated that freedom of navigation remains a cornerstone of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

It called for an immediate moratorium on attacks targeting civilian infrastructure, particularly oil and gas facilities, and stressed the importance of maintaining open and secure shipping routes.

“We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait,” the statement said, pointing to ongoing international planning to safeguard maritime traffic.

The statement comes as tensions in the region continue to raise concerns over prolonged supply disruptions and further volatility in global energy markets.

The US-Israeli war on Iran has entered its fourth week, with global implications intensifying across energy markets, trade routes and military positioning.

From developments in the Strait of Hormuz to fresh comments from US President Donald Trump, here are five key things to know on day 22.

Iran signals possible opening of Strait of Hormuz for Japan

Iran is ready to allow Japanese-related vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Kyodo news, citing Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.

Tehran has begun talks with Tokyo about potentially reopening access, Araqchi said in a phone interview.

Japan relies on the strait for around 90 per cent of its oil imports. The waterway has largely been restricted during the conflict, contributing to a spike in global oil prices and prompting countries to release reserves.

US waives sanctions to ease oil supply pressure

The Trump administration has introduced a 30-day waiver on sanctions related to the purchase of Iranian oil at sea.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the move could bring around 140 million barrels of oil back into global markets, helping to stabilise supply.

The decision reflects concerns in Washington that rising oil prices could impact businesses and consumers ahead of the November midterm elections.

Reports of Iranian missile attempt near Diego Garcia

Iran reportedly fired two intermediate-range ballistic missiles towards Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, according to the Wall Street Journal, citing US officials.

One missile failed mid-flight, while a US warship launched an interceptor at the second. It remains unclear whether the interception was successful.

There has been no official confirmation from the White House or UK authorities.

Airlines cut flights as fuel costs surge

United Airlines has announced it will cancel around 5 per cent of its planned flights in the short term due to rising jet fuel costs linked to the conflict.

CEO Scott Kirby said current fuel prices could add $11bn in annual expenses if sustained.

The airline expects to restore its full schedule later this year, assuming conditions stabilise.

Trump rules out ceasefire for now

US President Donald Trump said he does not support a ceasefire at this stage of the conflict.

“You don’t do a ceasefire when you’re obliterating the other side,” he told reporters.

Trump also suggested that Israel could be ready to end the war once US military objectives are achieved, while calling for more international involvement to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

He added that countries such as China and Japan should play a greater role in ensuring safe passage through the critical shipping route.