Tourism faces uncertainty amid escalating Middle East conflict
According to aviation tracking service Flightradar24, about 21,300 flights have been cancelled at seven key airports, including Dubai International Airport, Hamad International Airport and Zayed International Airport, since the strikes began.
ATT Desk Report 
The global tourism industry is facing growing uncertainty as the escalating air war involving the United States and Israel against Iran disrupts air travel across the Middle East, forcing airlines and governments to scramble to assist stranded travellers-reports Reuters
More than 20,000 flights have been cancelled in recent days as major Gulf aviation hubs remain closed or heavily restricted.
According to aviation tracking service Flightradar24, about 21,300 flights have been cancelled at seven key airports, including Dubai International Airport, Hamad International Airport and Zayed International Airport, since the strikes began.
The closures have left tens of thousands of passengers stranded and severely disrupted travel across a region that has become a critical link between Europe and Asia.
Airlines are now struggling to adjust routes as the conflict narrows the already limited air corridor used by long-haul flights connecting the two continents.
Travellers stranded across the Gulf have rushed to secure seats on a limited number of repatriation flights as governments move to bring citizens home, even as explosions have been reported in Tehran and Beirut. Major carriers including Emirates, flydubai and Etihad Airways have been operating limited flights mainly to repatriate stranded passengers.
The interruption is also affecting global cargo operations. Logistics giant FedEx said it had continued some pickup and delivery services in the region but was using contingency measures to manage ongoing disruptions.
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates said around 60 emergency flights had already departed through specially designated air corridors, with plans to operate more than 80 flights in the next phase.
Meanwhile, the United States Department of State said it was arranging military and charter flights to evacuate Americans from the region and had been in contact with nearly 3,000 citizens. `
Airlines are also adjusting schedules as the crisis unfolds. Delta Air Lines said it had suspended flights between New York and Tel Aviv until March 22, offering rebooking options and travel waivers for affected passengers.
Demand for alternate routes has surged as travellers avoid Middle Eastern hubs. Ticket prices have jumped on routes such as Hong Kong to London, while analysts warn that a prolonged conflict could cost the region billions of dollars in lost tourism revenue.
Meanwhile, airline shares have fallen sharply amid concerns over rising costs and operational disruptions. European carriers such as Lufthansa, Air France-KLM, and International Airlines Group recorded declines of between 5% and 8%, while Asian carriers including Japan Airlines and Korean Air also saw significant losses.
Rising oil prices are adding further pressure on the aviation industry. Benchmark crude prices have climbed about 30% this year, increasing jet fuel costs and threatening airline profitability.
Analysts say the overall influence on airlines will depend on factors such as fuel hedging strategies, cargo exposure and the ability to reroute aircraft, but warn that prolonged instability could continue to disrupt global travel and tourism.
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