Middle East Tensions Disrupt Global Air Travel
Geopolitical instability in the Middle East is sending shockwaves through the aviation industry, forcing airlines worldwide to adapt routes and schedules amidst constant uncertainty. These disruptions are impacting passengers and cargo operations alike.
IATA Addresses Industry Concerns
During the Wings of Change Americas event in Bogotá, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) addressed how international tensions are affecting the air industry in Latin America. The IATA emphasized the need for collaboration between airlines and governments. According to the IATA, having a seat at the table with governments
is crucial so air transport with tourism
becomes a priority agenda point for the states.
Airlines Reroute and Suspend Flights
Following a recent period of heightened tensions, Qatar Airways and Emirates initially resumed operations after a reported ceasefire. However, Emirates has since had to divert flights, affecting over 1.7 million passengers across 5,800 flights. Similarly, Air India has resumed flights to Europe and the Middle East, but routes to the eastern coasts of the United States and Canada remain suspended until new notice.
Etihad Airways has also suspended flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv until July 15, along with regional routes connecting Abu Dhabi with Kuwait, Doha, Dammam, and Muscat. The move reflects the ongoing need for airlines to react swiftly to changing risk assessments. As of 2024, over 25,000 flights have been affected by geopolitical conflicts, according to the Flight Disruption Tracker (Flight Disruption Tracker).
Middle East Instability: A Volatile Backdrop
The current situation stems from increased clashes and exchanges of attacks involving military forces and armed groups. Concerns over maritime and aerial security along key commercial routes are also factors, as are diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region.
Vulnerability of Air Transport
The IATA highlighted the vulnerability of air transport during the Wings of Change Americas event. Peter Cerdá, Regional Vice President of the IATA for Latin America, stated that the industry is continuously exposed to external factors such as the conflicts we see today in the world.
He added that airlines are the main injured
parties, as they make arduous efforts so that companies respond and attend itineraries and the well -being of their passengers.
Qatar Airways Experiences “Unexpected Closure”
Badr Mohammed al-Meer, executive director of the Qatar Airways Group, described the airline’s experience during the tensions as severely impacted by international events. He cited an unexpected and unprecedented closure
of Qatari airspace on June 23, which forced Qatar Airways to suspend its global operations.
The closure extended to airspace in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, leaving much of the Qatar Airways fleet stranded, including A380s carrying over 450 passengers. Many flights were delayed due to airport curfews. More than 151 flights were immediately interrupted, requiring real-time adaptations across all operations, according to Al-Meer.
Despite these challenges, Qatar Airways operated 390 flights by June 24, relocating approximately 20,000 passengers from deviated flights within 24 hours. Roughly 11,000 passengers resumed their journeys on June 24, with the remainder departing the following day.
