Thousands of flights have been cancelled as the conflict between the US and Israel against Iran continues to wreak havoc on global air travel, leaving hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded. Key air hubs in the Middle East remain closed for a third consecutive day, marking the most severe aviation disruption since the Covid pandemic.
Gulf airports and airlines have suspended normal operations until at least 10:00 GMT on Tuesday, though a limited number of special services were due to depart from the UAE on Monday evening. Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest international hub, has been closed alongside other major airports in the region. According to analysts Cirium, nearly 1,700 flights to the Middle East had been cancelled by 05:00 GMT on Monday, though the figure is likely higher due to limited data from Iran and the UAE.
The three major Gulf carriers—Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways—have been most affected. Emirates and Etihad flights to and from their hubs will not operate until late Tuesday morning, while Qatar Airways has suspended operations while Qatari airspace remains closed. However, Emirates and Etihad were preparing to resume selected flights on Monday evening, offering hope for a wider resumption of travel. The UAE’s aviation authority has allowed “special flights” to operate to help stranded passengers depart.
The impact has spread beyond the Middle East. Air India cancelled flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Amritsar to major cities in Europe and North America. EasyJet cancelled return services between Cyprus and the UK after a drone hit the RAF base in Akrotiri, and British Airways cancelled Monday’s Larnaca service. Virgin Atlantic has avoided Iraqi airspace, affecting flight times to Asia, and has cancelled Dubai flights from London until Wednesday.
Airlines and travel companies are offering refunds or free changes for those due to travel in the coming weeks. Share prices have fallen sharply, with Tui dropping 9% and IAG down 5%. For the ultra-wealthy, private jets from Riyadh to Europe cost up to $350,000 (£260,000), according to Ameerh Naran of Vimana Private. The prolonged closure of skies—more than 24 hours—and the shutdown of all three big Gulf transit hubs are unprecedented, analysts say.
