Airlines are having to make changes to flights to and from the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The conflict has also resulted in Qatar’s Doha airport, an important hub in the region, being shut down on Monday after Iran launched missiles at a US military base in retaliation for American attacks on their nuclear sites over the weekend.
Other major airports, such as Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have also experienced disruptions and delays, with many airlines cancelling flights to parts of the region. Air India has stopped all operations to the Middle East and flights to North America and Europe, while Japan Airlines has cancelled flights to Doha from Tokyo.
In recent years, the Gulf region has become a major hub for international flights, with nearly 400,000 travelers passing through Dubai and Doha airports daily. However, with the current situation, many passengers are now stranded and facing uncertainty about when they will be able to continue their journeys.
US President Donald Trump has announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran on social media, but both countries have yet to confirm it. Meanwhile, stranded passengers at Doha airport, like BBC staff member Rob Liddle, are facing difficulties finding food and accommodation while they wait for updates on flight schedules.
Aviation experts warn that the closure of Qatar’s airspace will have a ripple effect on flights and could cause significant disruptions and delays. This situation also raises concerns about safety, as many governments have advised against travel to the region. This could lead to more flight cancellations and changes on a day-by-day basis.
According to data from aviation risk consultancy Osprey Flight Solutions, there have been six unintentional shoot-downs of commercial aircraft since 2001, with three near-misses. The most well-known incident was the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 by Russian-backed forces in Ukraine. Russian and Ukrainian airspace is already closed to most airlines due to the conflict there, forcing more flights to be diverted to the Middle East, which is now facing overcrowding and potential safety concerns.
As a result of the ongoing conflict, crucial airspace over Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan has been closed to commercial flights. This has led to a significant increase in flights having to take longer routes, causing more fuel consumption and potential crew rest issues. The conflict has also raised concerns about the safety of flying over the region, with some governments advising against travel to certain destinations.