Travel chaos across the Middle East is expected to continue for weeks, as airlines struggle to reroute and repatriate passengers stranded after the closure of major airports due to the Iran conflict. Experts warn that the scale of disruption, affecting hubs like Dubai and Doha, will take far longer to resolve than typical weather-related shutdowns.
John Cox, an aviation expert and retired pilot, noted that while airlines have teams dedicated to handling disruptions, the current situation is unprecedented. Unlike blizzards that might close a US airport for two to three days, the Middle East crisis involves multiple major hubs simultaneously, with no quick alternatives for rerouting flights.
Dubai International Airport, which handled over 95 million passengers in 2025, and Doha's Hamad International Airport, with 54 million, have been closed for days. Limited flights have resumed, such as an Emirates service from Dubai to Sydney on Wednesday, but airlines like Qatar Airways and Etihad remain suspended until at least Thursday.
Dr Ian Douglas, an aviation management expert, described the situation as 'messy for the next month'. He highlighted the lack of spare aircraft and crews, and the enormous costs of dislocated crews, grounded planes, and accommodating stranded passengers. 'You're talking millions of dollars an hour in fares that are not happening,' he said.
Some airlines are adapting, with Qantas operating a Perth-London flight via Singapore to carry extra passengers. However, with limited options to avoid problematic airspace, experts predict a prolonged period of disruption as airlines work through backlogs and coordinate with partners.
