To add details

By Alison Lambert and Gabriel Araujo

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 6 (Reuters) - The postponement of aircraft orders by Middle Eastern airlines due to uncertainty and high jet fuel prices as a result of the war with Iran is not a wise decision and could be costly in the long run, said Kamel Al-Awadi, vice president of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), on Saturday.

Al-Awadhi, who serves as the regional vice president of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for Africa and the Middle East, told reporters that he does not expect the war and rising costs to affect aircraft orders from Middle Eastern airlines. Airlines in the region are major buyers of aircraft from Boeing and Airbus.

Speaking on the sidelines of the International Air Transport Association's annual summit this week in Rio de Janeiro, he added that delaying the delivery of aircraft "is not a wise option, because this delay will have a cost," referring to the long waiting periods for aircraft deliveries.

Al-Awadhi explained that the long waiting periods for obtaining the latest generation of single-aisle Airbus aircraft mean that operators may have to wait for years before receiving their planes.

He said, "The plan is to continue on the path we are on... even though what is happening is just a temporary setback."

Airlines worldwide are reducing the number of flights and raising prices and fees to offset increased costs, at a time when airports in the Middle East are being targeted by air attacks linked to the war in Iran.

Al-Awadhi expressed concern that an Iranian attack that killed a person at an airport in Kuwait a few days ago damaged a passenger terminal used by foreign airlines, noting that repairs could take at least a year.

He added, "My personal assessment, based on the damage I saw in the videos and pictures I received, is that it will take a very long time... My question is: Will other airlines be able to operate flights to Kuwait?"

He noted that Kuwait may have to either accelerate the completion of part of a new terminal at the airport or allow foreign airlines to use the lounges currently reserved for local carriers such as Kuwait Airways.

He continued, "It will require difficult decisions and significant logistical arrangements to address this situation."