How Persian Gulf turmoil is reshaping Europe-Asia aviation landscape
South China Morning Post
by Zhu WenqianMarch 4, 2026
With major Persian Gulf aviation hubs largely paralysed by airspace closures amid the escalating conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran, travellers have flocked to direct Asia-Europe routes, driving a sharp surge in airfares.
This week, economy class on most direct one-way Beijing-Paris flights is fully booked, with a small number of economy seats – plus premium economy and business class seats – remaining.
Economy seats on an Air China flight on Sunday are already booked out, with a one-way...
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 3/4/2026