Airlines operating in the Middle East are facing ongoing disruptions caused by the Iran war, affecting regional and international flights. Gulf carriers like Emirates and Etihad are maintaining about 90% of their planned networks despite challenges, while some airlines, including Bahrain’s Gulf Air and Kuwait Airways, are operating more limited schedules due to airspace closures. Qatar Airways is adjusting its route network from March 18 to March 28, primarily serving destinations in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Africa.
European carriers have also extended suspensions of flights to Middle Eastern airports. British Airways canceled services to several cities until late May, and Lufthansa suspended multiple routes through March. Israeli airline El Al canceled several European and U.S. flights amid operational restrictions at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport.
In response to these disruptions, some airlines are increasing capacity on unaffected routes, aiming to offset revenue losses from the Middle East. Lufthansa plans to add flights to Singapore and Cape Town, while Air India announced additional flights between India and Europe and North America. Experts indicate that the Gulf hubs continue to be vital for east-west connectivity, though the situation remains unpredictable as the conflict persists.
The situation underscores the fragile nature of current global aviation flows, which heavily depend on Gulf hubs for connections. Industry analysts emphasize that while airlines are adopting short-term measures, long-term network restructuring will be constrained by operational challenges, and the resilience of the Gulf hub model is expected to endure unless the conflict prolongs.
