Middle East conflict grounds flights and drives up global air fares

Air travel disruption since the onset of the Iran war represents one of the largest operational challenges for the aviation sector since the pandemic, affecting major regional carriers Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways, which normally handle around 90,000 passengers daily. 

After just 17 days of conflict, more than 52,000 of approximately 98,000 scheduled flights to and from the Middle East had been cancelled, affecting an estimated 6 million passenger trips, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Transiting passengers from Asia and beyond have also been impacted, as airlines relying on Gulf connections have had to redirect services.

RELATED:

Qatar Airways to operate Doha flights to 80 destinations from 18 to 28 March

Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways launches daily UAE flights via Saudi Arabia

British Airways suspends Dubai flights until end of May

The increased costs of longer journeys are compounded by the sharp rise in jet fuel prices. Airlines are reporting that fuel costs have nearly doubling compared to pre-war levels. Carriers are responding with fare hikes and fuel surcharges on select routes, and are warning of further increases if elevated fuel prices and the need to follow diversion routes persist. At the same time, fewer flights options are available for the consumer. 

Though operations are gradually resuming across the region, many international carriers are extending cancellations into spring and summer, as this summary of carrier schedules shows.