The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is having significant ramifications for air travel, particularly affecting flights originating from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Recent data indicates a 7% decline in travel bookings to the region, with Jordan and Lebanon experiencing the most substantial drops at 21% and 14%, respectively . This decline can be attributed to heightened fears surrounding regional instability, which have led travelers to reconsider their plans. Such shifts not only impact tourism but also pose challenges for airlines operating in this volatile environment.
The late afternoon Emirates flight from London Heathrow to Dubai has an advertised connection to Bangkok of just one hour. Normally 60 minutes is sufficient for extricating passengers (and, separately, their checked baggage) from the world’s biggest passenger plane, the A380, and enabling them to board another SuperJumbo at a different gate at the airport that handles more international travellers than any in the world, all in the early hours of the morning.
Flights to Lebanon’s capital Beirut have also been affected. Emirates has extended the suspension of routes to and from the city until Tuesday and flydubai until Monday
Those travelling on these routes are encouraged to monitor flight statuses and be prepared for last-minute changes.
“Customers transiting through Dubai with final destinations in Iraq, Iran, and Jordan will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice,” Emirates said in a travel update
On Wednesday afternoon, flights were seen over Iranian airspace, according to a FlightRadar24 map, including from carrier flydubai and Wizz Air (WIZZ.L), opens new tab, after Iran said its ballistic missile attack on Israel was over.
However, flights across the entire region were diverted or disrupted with little sign of broader normalisation, with some changing their routes to avoid certain airspace.
"All planes - mainly flights to India – are avoiding Iranian airspace until further notice," said a spokesperson for Polish flag carrier LOT.
Moreover, rising tensions between Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah have necessitated numerous flight cancellations and route adjustments across the Middle East. Airlines are now avoiding specific airspaces deemed risky due to military activities and security threats . This has resulted in longer travel times and increased fares for passengers flying from Gulf nations to destinations like India as airlines reroute their flights away from conflict zones. The situation remains fluid as airlines continue to adapt their operations based on evolving geopolitical conditions.
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