Thousands of airline passengers across the Middle East and beyond have been left stranded or forced to reroute as escalating military tensions between Israel and Iran disrupt air travel across the region.
Following Iran’s missile strikes on U.S. military positions in Qatar and subsequent Israeli retaliatory actions, several Gulf nations—including Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, Iraq, and Israel—temporarily closed their airspace. The widespread closures, implemented for safety and security reasons, caused massive disruptions to international flight schedules, particularly for airlines using the region as a critical transit corridor.
Though Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have since reopened their airspace, major carriers continue to cancel or delay flights amid uncertainty. Airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Air India have either suspended select routes or rerouted flights to avoid conflict zones.
Air India announced the suspension of its services to destinations in the Middle East, Europe, and North America that would normally cross the affected airspace. Similarly, Australian airline Qantas was forced to reroute long-haul flights to and from Europe, some of which remained airborne for up to 15 hours before returning or diverting to alternate destinations.
“We are monitoring the situation very closely and working with relevant authorities,” said a spokesperson for Emirates Airlines, noting that passenger safety remains a top priority.
At Hamad International Airport in Doha and Dubai International Airport, passengers were seen sleeping on terminal floors and crowding customer service desks for updates. Many expressed frustration over a lack of communication and accommodation as airlines scrambled to adjust flight paths.
The Indian government has issued advisories to its citizens abroad and is reportedly working to repatriate some nationals stranded in the Gulf. Meanwhile, the United States, United Kingdom, and several European countries have updated their travel advisories, warning citizens against non-essential travel to the region.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority also issued a notice advising local airlines to avoid flying through Middle Eastern airspace until further notice.
In an effort to clarify widespread misinformation, authorities in Qatar and the UAE emphasized that no direct hits had occurred on their civilian infrastructure but acknowledged the volatile security environment prompted the temporary closures.
Aviation experts warn that continued instability in the region could have a long-term impact on global air travel, particularly for airlines that rely on Middle Eastern air corridors to connect Asia and Europe.
“Re-routing around the conflict zone means longer flights, increased fuel costs, and logistical challenges that could persist even after the immediate threat recedes,” said aviation analyst Marwan al-Sayed.
As of Monday evening, flight tracking data showed over 240 flight cancellations globally, with dozens more delayed or diverted.
Passengers are advised not to cancel tickets on their own, as airlines are more likely to offer refunds, rebooking, or compensation when they initiate cancellations. Travel insurance companies have also reminded customers that policies must have been purchased prior to the conflict to be eligible for claims.
With regional tensions showing no signs of abating, authorities urge travelers to remain vigilant, monitor airline announcements, and prepare for potential delays in the days ahead.
