Escalating hostilities involving the United States and Iran have significantly disrupted global aviation operations, triggering widespread flight cancellations and sharp increases in aviation fuel costs, according to industry observers.
Data reviewed during a discussion on Arise News shows that crude oil prices have surged amid the conflict, with Brent crude climbing sharply during the week and West Texas Intermediate approaching $80 per barrel. The spike has also pushed jet fuel prices higher, placing financial pressure on airlines already dealing with operational disruptions.
The impact on air travel has been substantial. Reports cited during the broadcast indicated that more than 25,000 flights had been cancelled since the conflict began, reflecting the widespread disruption caused by the closure of key air corridors in the Middle East.
Global tourism adviser and United Nations World Tourism Organization ambassador Anita Mendiratta explained that the disruption extends beyond flights departing from or arriving in the region. According to her, the shutdown of airspace over the Middle East has also affected international routes that typically rely on that corridor.
"I think what's really important about what you're saying is when we look at the flight cancellations that have taken place that's at two levels and pardon the pun. Firstly, it's those aircraft that are flying into and out of the Middle East and that could be bringing people and cargo in or connecting onwards. But there's a second dimension as well and it's actually about the air corridor over the Middle East. So any flights that were actually due to go into that air corridor because the air corridor was closed because of the conflict with Iran, it's actually forced either airlines to divert or cancel flights altogether. So flights might not even being landing in the Middle East. They were simply using that corridor which represents approximately 30% of air travel around the world going west to east and east to west. So the impact is absolutely massive and every single day that the conflict continues it only increases the number of cancellations."
Rising fuel prices are further intensifying the difficulties facing airlines. With airspace closures forcing aircraft to take longer routes to avoid the affected region, carriers are experiencing higher fuel consumption alongside reduced passenger revenue from cancelled services.
"Oh, indeed. The price of jet fuel is one aspect in which the airlines are being squeezed because to your point, if they're having to fly with jet fuel increases also to avoid that air corridor, they're either having to go very high north or down south, which is extra length of time and distance, which is more jet fuel. So, what's adding on top of that? Plus, there's cancellation of people flying. So, there's no revenue generation coming from the seats. There's the impact on operations and all of the disruption and then of course there's compensation. So the airlines are really struggling at the moment."
Despite the disruptions, some flights operating in and out of the region are continuing, largely for urgent travel or repatriation purposes. Mendiratta noted that such services are often focused on helping passengers leave affected areas rather than maintaining normal commercial schedules.
"But importantly the amount of activity that's taking place and we're seeing flights leaving the Middle East. These can almost be deemed humanitarian flights because they're very much about repatriation getting people moving to be able to get them into safer spaces and to continue the schedule as much as possible. But we know that it's only 10% for instance of Emirates flights that are leaving per day when normally Dubai airport has up to 1,200 aircraft movements a day."
The disruption has also affected travellers directly. Mendiratta recounted her own experience attempting to return to London from New Delhi after the closure of the Middle East air corridor.
"Indeed it it would make people very cautious. So very briefly I for instance was in New Delhi on business flying home to London which should have been an 11-hour flight on the same day. As soon as that air zone was closed off that I was mentioning naturally my flight was cancelled. But knowing the industry I knew immediately there were no flights that were going to fly west. So, I pivoted very rapidly east and flew to Bangkok knowing that was a high probability of flights going back to London. I then ended up having to connect on a Chinese airline because it's one of the few countries in the world that can fly over Russian airspace. So, it was quite a juggle. It took me 4 days and a lot of gymnastics with aviation. But for people who are not connected to the industry and don't know about these options and are in the ground quite honestly in a war zone, it's very unnerving."
She advised travellers to ensure they register with their respective foreign ministries when travelling internationally, particularly during periods of geopolitical instability.
"Which is why what is fundamentally important is making sure that every traveler, whether it's leisure or business, and even expats, register with your foreign office so that they know where you are, who you are, and the necessity to get you back home."
Industry analysts warn that the conflict could also influence travel sentiment in the months ahead, especially as the peak summer travel period approaches. Even if flight operations resume, travellers may remain cautious about routes that pass through the region.
"Indeed, Rois, you mentioned an important point because even if the flights are going, a central currency in travel is confidence. And so, people are just simply not going to have the short-term confidence on flying through the Middle East or even using a Middle Eastern carrier."
Mendiratta added that while major carriers such as Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad remain key players in global aviation, passenger behaviour could shift temporarily if uncertainty persists.
Countries including Oman and Turkey may serve as alternative transit points for diverted flights or evacuation operations, though the situation remains fluid.
"There are there are definitely countries that have positioned themselves for either diverting flights or repatriation. So Oman is one, Turkey is another. So those are countries where we know that there can be some extra flying and extra routes put on to be able to increase capacity."
While airlines continue to adjust routes and schedules, aviation authorities and governments are closely monitoring safety conditions across the region.
"It's very much a proceed with caution time. And this is where thankfully governments, airlines, airports, and military work very closely to make sure that any travel taking place is safe, is smooth, and is secure."