ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – The escalating conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States is sending shockwaves through the global aviation industry, forcing airlines to cancel thousands of flights and reroute international air traffic.
British flag carrier British Airways has announced the suspension of all flights to several Middle Eastern destinations after the region’s airspace was deemed increasingly unsafe.
In a statement released on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the airline confirmed that flights to Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Tel Aviv have been temporarily halted due to growing instability caused by the ongoing war.
The airline said the decision was taken because of “airspace instability” as tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East.
Most of the affected routes will remain suspended until the end of March, while flights to Abu Dhabi are suspended until the end of 2026, with no confirmed date for resumption.
“We continue to monitor the situation and are in contact with our customers to offer a range of options,” British Airways said in its official statement.
Thousands of Travelers Stranded
The suspension adds to mounting global travel disruptions, with thousands of passengers reportedly stranded across the Middle East as airlines scramble to adjust operations.
British Airways said it is contacting passengers believed to still be in the United Arab Emirates to assist them in arranging alternative travel back to the United Kingdom.
“We ask customers who have made alternative travel arrangements to inform us,” the airline added.
British Airways joins a growing list of international carriers — including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, Air Canada, and KLM — that have either restricted or canceled flights to the region.
Since Israel and the United States launched military strikes against Iran on February 28, 2026, more than 27,000 flights across the Middle East and Tel Aviv have reportedly been canceled.
War Drives Surge in Airfares
The conflict is also pushing global travel costs higher. A surge in oil prices has dramatically increased jet fuel costs, forcing airlines to raise ticket prices.
Australian airline Qantas revealed that jet fuel prices have surged by 150 percent in just two weeks, placing additional pressure on airline operations.
As a result, several international routes are expected to see significant fare increases.
“Given the strong demand for international travel, particularly to Europe, lower fares are selling out faster than usual,” Qantas said.
The airline urged passengers to book earlier to secure the best available prices.
Qatar Airways Launches Repatriation Flights
Amid the chaos, Qatar Airways has begun operating limited flights from Hamad International Airport in Doha to help repatriate stranded travelers.
However, the airline stressed that these flights do not mark a full return to regular commercial operations.
Repatriation flights have already departed for major cities including London, Seoul, Moscow, Delhi, Madrid, Beijing, Perth, and Nairobi.
Additional flights scheduled this week include routes to Cairo, Istanbul, Frankfurt, Manila, Milan, and Mumbai.
Reports indicate that around 8,000 passengers are currently stranded in Qatar, with the government providing hotel accommodations and extending visas for affected travelers.
Meanwhile, Emirates and Etihad Airways have started gradually restoring limited flight schedules after parts of the United Arab Emirates’ airspace reopened.
Emirates said it expects to return to full operational capacity within the next few days, although the regional security situation remains highly volatile. (AT Network)
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