The ongoing closure of key Gulf airports has led to a significant increase in airline ticket prices for flights between Asia and Europe. Major carriers operating non-stop routes are rerouting flights via the Caucasus and Afghanistan, resulting in longer travel times and higher operational costs. Airlines such as Emirates and Qatar Airways, which traditionally handle large volumes through Dubai, are experiencing capacity reductions, impacting ticket availability and prices.
Travel agencies report that flights from major Asian cities to London and other European destinations are fully booked or have surged in price. Cathay Pacific, for instance, shows no economy-class seats from Hong Kong to London until March 11, with fares considerably above normal levels. Similar trends are observed with Qantas from Sydney, with no economy options available until mid-March, leading passengers to consider longer, alternative routes.
Industry response and future outlook
Experts suggest that airlines are adjusting by leveraging alternate hubs such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and Istanbul, which may provide short-term benefits for some carriers. Nevertheless, the rerouting increases fuel consumption and operational costs, likely contributing to higher fares if the Gulf airports remain closed for an extended period.
Authorities and industry representatives emphasize the connectivity challenges presented by the Gulf airport closures, which are expected to cause ongoing disruptions in flight schedules and pricing until the situation stabilizes.
