London: Air travel across the Middle East has been severely disrupted as the ongoing regional conflict forces many international airlines to cancel or suspend flights, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and forcing aircraft to take longer routes.
Airlines around the world began adjusting their schedules after tensions in the region escalated in recent days. Several countries restricted or closed parts of their airspace due to security concerns, making it difficult and risky for airlines to operate normal routes through the area.
Major aviation hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, which usually serve as key connection points between Europe, Asia and Africa, have been affected by the disruption. These airports normally handle a large number of international passengers every day, so the interruptions are being felt across global travel networks.
Many airlines including British Airways, Lufthansa, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Air France and KLM have either cancelled or temporarily suspended flights to several destinations in the region. Some carriers have also stopped flying over the airspace of countries such as Iran, Iraq, Syria and Israel. As a result, many flights are now being rerouted along longer paths, increasing travel time and operational costs.
Flights to cities such as Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Dubai and Doha have been among those most affected. Airlines say passenger safety remains their top priority and decisions are being taken after continuous monitoring of the security situation.
The disruptions have also left many passengers stranded at airports in the Middle East and other parts of the world. Airlines and governments are now working to arrange special flights to bring people back home where possible.
Despite the difficulties, some airlines have begun operating limited services again, though schedules remain uncertain and subject to sudden changes depending on developments in the conflict.
Aviation experts say the current situation has created one of the biggest disruptions to international air travel since the global pandemic, as the Middle East is one of the busiest transit regions for long distance flights connecting continents.
Airlines have said they will continue reviewing the situation and may extend flight suspensions if tensions in the region continue.