The Iran-Israel Conflict has caused widespread disruption of Middle Eastern air travel, cancelling hundreds of flights and stranding thousands. With tensions high, big airports such as Qatar’s Hamad International and Dubai International briefly closed down operations, fueling international alarm.
Qatar Airways suspended some of its operations, with a few flights canceling midway. Doha airport suspended some flights, forcing them to return to their gateways. It also canceled all flights for a brief period, but they resumed eventually.
Airlines Cancel Routes Amid Missile Strikes
Air India suspended operations to the Middle East with immediate effect. European and the east coast of North America flights were also cancelled. Japan Airlines suspended service from Tokyo to Doha. More than a dozen airlines took similar action, responding to the unstable security environment.
The unanticipated disruption followed Iranian missile attacks on a U.S. military installation in Qatar. The move was a retaliatory strike in response to reported American attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities over the weekend. In a counteraction, Qatar shut down its airspace temporarily.
A Regional Aviation Hub Stalls
The Gulf is now among the world’s most congested air routes. Doha and Dubai airports cope with nearly 400,000 passengers a day. Another 80,000 are handled by Abu Dhabi. The majority of passengers use these airports to travel between Europe, Asia, and Australia on connecting flights.
The temporary closure of these hubs sent shockwaves around the globe. Stranded passengers rushed for information, standby flights, and supplies. BBC employee Rob Liddle, stranded in Doha while traveling to Dhaka, reported long lines and weary travelers sleeping on airport terminals.
Ceasefire Announcement Offers Hope
Hope flared briefly with the announcement by former U.S. President Donald Trump of a “complete and total” Iran-Israel ceasefire. Israel initially agreed to the offer. But by Tuesday, it charged Iran with breaching the ceasefire with more missile strikes.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, asserted that ferocious retaliatory attacks were in progress. Iran refused to fire any new missiles but threatened to take action if pushed further. The tense calm has served to do little to restore confidence in flying.
Safety Concerns Loom Large
Aviation analysts say the clashes pose enormous safety issues. Top aviation analyst John Strickland cautioned that longer flight paths translate into more expenses in the form of higher fuel consumption. This would lead to more aircraft on the ground and impacting availability of crews because of statutory rest periods.
The safety issue is real,” he said. “Governments issuing travel warnings to the area will inevitably cause additional flight cancellations.” Airspace usage decisions are now being made on a day-to-day basis.
Ripple Effects Beyond the Middle East
Gulf disruptions soon rippled through global air networks. Aviation consultant Tim Atkinson likened the situation to a domino effect. He explained it and said “Once it begins, disruption widens like wildfire.” It was mentioned that the rerouting congestion occurs in other flight corridors.
Commercial carriers are currently shunning Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. This principal air route formerly had approximately 1,400 flights a day between Asia and Europe. Now, these flights go north of Turkey or south through Saudi Arabia, congestion in already congested airspace.
History of Aviation Risk Increases Concerns
Experts also cite previous tragedies of civilian aircraft in war zones. At least six commercial airliners have been mistakenly shot down since 2001, and there have been three near-misses. The most notorious was in 2014 when Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down over Ukraine, killing 298 passengers.
Airlines have already suspended flights across Russian and Ukrainian airspace because of continuing hostilities. With Middle Eastern airspace also off-limits, carriers have fewer, more crowded alternatives. The risks and logistical frustrations are increasing by the minute.
Uncertainty Ahead for Travelers and Airlines
The way ahead is uncertain. Airlines are constantly reassessing the situation, making route decisions on a near-hourly basis. Passengers, in turn, are in uncertainty, questioning whether to travel, cancel, or delay.
This dilemma has exposed the exposure of international air transport to geopolitics crises. The Gulf’s position as a leading transit centre is currently in the balance.
Governments, airlines, and travelers alike pray the truce lasts. But meantime, the skies over the Middle East remain tight and on edge.
