The suspension of flights in the Gulf paralyzes the movement of hundreds of thousands of travelers around the world
The aviation sector in the Gulf region and the world witnessed unprecedented turmoil following the military escalation between the United States and Iran, and the subsequent missile and drone attacks, which led to forcing many Gulf countries to urgently close or restrict their airspace.
The main transport hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait and Bahrain were affected by waves of cancellations and flight diversions, as aviation authorities sought to secure Saudi Airlines On Saturday, it canceled its flights to and from Amman, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Moscow, and Peshawar, due to the continuation of the current situation, noting that this cancellation is until 23:59 UTC on March 2.
Saudi Airlines confirmed that travelers will be informed immediately of any developments, calling on them to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport.
Major airlines suspend their operations in Region
The United Arab Emirates partially closed its airspace for a temporary period, which led to the suspension of all flights at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport, and the delay or cancellation of flights at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.
Hamad International Airport in the Qatari capital, Doha, and the main airports in Bahrain and Kuwait An almost complete halt in flights, with operations suspended pending the reopening of airspace.
Global repercussions and diversion of flight routes
The disruption extended to include major international airlines, as Air France, German Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Indian Airlines, and other Asian and North American airlines suspended, canceled or diverted their flights through the region.
Hundreds of thousands of Travelers are stranded
This disruption has left hundreds of thousands of travelers stranded around the world, as the main transit hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, which usually receive tens of thousands daily, have turned into open waiting areas after the temporary closure prevented travelers from completing their trips or securing alternatives.
The repercussions of flight cancellations and diversions extended across Europe, Asia and Africa, with travelers in Paris, Brisbane and Dublin reporting sudden changes in their flight itineraries and long waiting periods to check in. On alternative flights or accommodation, at a time when the European Aviation Safety Authority issued warnings to airlines to avoid the affected airspace due to continued military activity and the risk of escalation.
Increasing costs and a state of uncertainty in the aviation sector
Analysts warn that the continued closure of the Gulf airspace or its remaining volatile during the coming days and weeks will lead to higher ticket prices, increased fuel costs, and great pressure on alternative corridors through Saudi Arabia and Egypt, which complicates plans to resume normal operations.
Governments and airlines continue to urge Travelers should check flight status frequently and be flexible in travel plans, while preparing for prolonged disruptions as diplomatic and military events keep the airspace on edge.
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