The Middle East crisis continues to weigh on global air travel, with airlines rerouting flights around restricted airspace and absorbing higher operating costs. The disruption is affecting long-haul services linking Europe, Asia and other major markets, while also adding pressure on schedules and network planning.
Widespread airspace closures across the region have forced carriers to alter routings since late February, extending flight times and complicating hub operations. IBA said on March 30 that flights operating to, from and within the Middle East were down 59% from levels before the closures, based on data through March 22. Aviation and travel reports have also linked the crisis to higher fuel and insurance costs, uncertainty for passengers, and broader demand weakness as cancellations and delays continue to ripple through international networks.