Over 13,000 Flights Canceled in Middle East Since Conflict Began

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Since the escalation of military tensions involving the US, Israel and Iran in the Persian Gulf and across the Middle East, there have been widespread disruptions in air travel. Over the past few days, 12,903 flights have been canceled, according to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR).

According to data from the aviation analytics firm Cirium, a total of 32,003 flights were scheduled to depart and arrive in the region from February 28. More than 40% of these flights did not take place. Under normal circumstances, the region handles around 900,000 seats per day.

The most severe disruptions occurred in the first days of the crisis:

• 3,133 flights were canceled on Saturday;
• 5,270 flights were canceled on Sunday;
• an additional 4,500 flights were canceled on Monday.

After strikes on regional targets, several airports effectively halted operations, and airlines temporarily suspended flights.

Airspace remains partially or fully closed in the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), airports are operating in a limited capacity. Aviation authorities have announced a phased resumption of some flights and the launch of special flights to evacuate stranded passengers.

Travelers currently in the UAE are strongly advised not to go to the airport without flight confirmation from their airline and to await official notifications.