Intensifying conflict in the Middle East is causing more flight disruption, with some major carriers cancelling services to countries not directly affected by the fighting.
British Airways, Singapore Airlines and US airlines have cancelled flights through either Dubai and Doha or both. Airspace closures are forcing other carriers to divert around danger areas. The New Zealand Government is deploying an Air Force C-130J Hercules to the region to pick up stranded Kiwis in Iran and Israel when airspace opens and is talking to airlines about an airlift as the US joins the conflict, bombing Iranian nuclear sites. The government has advised Kiwis who can’t make it out to ‘shelter in place’.
. . . QR, EK
Qatar Airways has issued rebooking instructions for passengers booked on 157 tickets for travel on QR flights to/from Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria that are cancelled or still operating but passengers wish to change their travel plans. It has also retimed a number of flights for the coming weeks and some may be earlier than originally scheduled. Agents are asked to monitor GDS queues for schedule changes and promptly inform affected clients. Emirates has suspended flights to Iran and Iraq until 30 Jun. Clients departing or arriving at Dubai International Airport are also advised to check their flight status with the airline. Around 30 airlines’ services through the region have been affected with most route cancellations in Israel and Iran. Safe Airspace, a website that monitors threats to flights, says there’s an increased risk to US operators in the region.
. . . More Disrupts
Agents were busy over the weekend dealing with disrupted passengers, as the Europe travel peak begins. In addition to the Middle East situation there were also disruptions at airports including London Heathrow, Charles De Gaulle and Amsterdam reportedly also causing delays.
. . . Oil Spikes
The immediate fallout from the conflict is disruptive for flights but airlines face higher fuel costs. Oil prices surged 3% overnights and could climb higher if Iran shuts a key route for shipping it.
