Middle East Conflict Disrupts Air Travel Worldwide, Strands Thousands

Ongoing military operations between the U.S., Israel and Iran have caused widespread flight cancellations and airspace closures across the Middle East. Travel experts are warning passengers to expect continued disruptions and higher ticket prices as airlines reroute flights around conflict zones.

NEW YORK (AP) — Military operations involving the United States and Israel in Iran have created major disruptions for air travel throughout the Middle East, leaving thousands of passengers stranded with an uncertain outlook ahead.

Aviation specialists warn that scheduled flights in upcoming days and weeks may face continued interruptions, creating worldwide ripple effects particularly as the conflict expands with counter-attacks in Gulf nations. Airlines serving Gulf airports rely on these facilities as essential connection points for passengers traveling between Europe, Africa and Asia.

With airspace restrictions implemented across the region, numerous airlines have been compelled to either scrub flights entirely or reroute through lengthier paths. This situation is putting pressure on operational expenses and fare costs, both potentially rising if carriers must spend more on fuel as the conflict persists. Aviation experts are advising travelers to delay non-essential trips when possible, review refund policies or insurance coverage, and above all, stay informed about safety warnings.

“This situation goes beyond typical delay issues. We’re dealing with restricted airspace in an active conflict area,” explained Hassan Shahidi, president and CEO of the Flight Safety Foundation, emphasizing that suspended operations and guidance from airlines, airports and government agencies could change daily or even hourly. “Passengers need to prepare for unpredictability.”

Following weekend attacks launched by the U.S. and Israel, retaliatory actions and other developments have progressed quickly. Iranian officials report that hundreds of casualties have occurred within their borders. Travel experts emphasize that passengers throughout the region must stay current with safety recommendations and official updates.

Several nations have released travel warnings and emergency departure instructions. On Monday, the U.S. State Department advised all American citizens to exit Iran and Israel immediately, along with Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestinian territories, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen through whatever commercial transport remains available. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged media outlets to promote evacuation assistance for Americans. Simultaneously, nations including China, Italy, France and Germany began coordinating departure plans for their nationals.

Aviation experts like Shahidi recommend that travelers stay updated on these governmental and embassy advisories to ensure access to current information. Given the large number of people still stuck due to extensive cancellations and airspace restrictions, he suggests reconsidering or rebooking planned trips when feasible.

“When travel isn’t mandatory, think about delaying it,” Shahidi advised. “However, if the trip is essential, ensure you purchase refundable or flexible tickets.”

Passengers should also track announcements from airports and carriers. International airlines Etihad Airways and Emirates, operating from Abu Dhabi and Dubai respectively, plus Qatar Airways based in Doha have all paused specific routes, referencing airspace restrictions and safety protocols.

Numerous carriers are processing refund requests or providing complimentary rebooking options, though these alternatives often apply only to particular dates or destinations. Travelers need to examine individual airline websites for detailed information. For upcoming journeys, purchasing refundable fares now could offer greater flexibility.

Apart from airline-provided options, some passengers may consider travel insurance. However, careful review of policy details is crucial, especially exclusions listed in specific plans.

“Military actions and civil disorder are usually not covered since they cannot be predicted,” stated Suzanne Morrow, CEO of travel insurance company InsureMyTrip. Customers might still obtain coverage for delays, she noted, but travel insurance aims to “restore your situation,” and when airlines provide rebooking or refunds, additional claims may not apply.

Christina Tunnah from World Nomads Travel Insurance confirms that most of her company’s policies exclude coverage for war-related losses, though compensation might be available in specific situations, such as purchasing a “cancel for any reason” option. The traveler would still need to cancel within designated timeframes.

Tunnah notes that once an incident becomes public knowledge, coverage becomes unlikely. Therefore, consumers who haven’t already bought travel insurance may find that many insurers have implemented new restrictions for affected destinations.

In addition to cancellations, many airlines are now using extended routes to bypass restricted airspace. Shahidi observed this includes not only current conflict-related closures but also restrictions from other ongoing global conflicts.

Managing these various conflict areas has grown more challenging for airlines since longer routes increase costs. Industry practice requires carriers to pay “overflight fees” when crossing other nations’ airspace, which may now be more frequent. Extended flights also consume additional fuel.

“Passengers will bear these additional costs,” explained Bryan Terry, managing director at Alton Aviation Consultancy. Should the conflict persist, he predicted, travelers should “expect some airlines to implement fuel surcharges” or raise current fees.

Travelers have already noticed dramatically increased ticket prices. Experts believe these immediate spikes reflect supply and demand dynamics following thousands of recent flight cancellations. However, expenses from extended routing combined with oil prices that have already risen since U.S. and Israeli attacks began could affect consumers in the longer term.

Crude oil pricing directly impacts jet fuel costs, which represented approximately 30% of airline operating expenses in 2024, based on International Air Transport Association research.

Numerous routes scheduled within the coming week are either completely booked or feature extremely high prices for remaining seats. Current market conditions show these costs, though still elevated, are reduced for trips booked further ahead, Terry observes. But again, if the conflict extends or intensifies, “circumstances could shift instantly.”