Strikes on Iran have disrupted one of the world's busiest flight corridors
Business Insider
February 28, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The US and Israel's strikes on Iran have caused significant disruption to one of the world’s busiest flight corridors, with Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar closing their airspaces. Flight data reveals that nearly 230 scheduled flights to the region were canceled by midday, with an additional 40 pre-emptively canceled for Sunday. Middle Eastern airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways, which operate major hubs in Dubai and Doha—two of the world’s busiest airports—are at the center of this disruption, temporarily suspending all flights to and from their bases.
The region’s airspace is a critical link between Europe and Asia, making it a vital part of global air travel. Airlines have been forced to reroute flights over Saudi Arabia or avoid the area entirely, leading to costly detours. For example, an Emirates flight from Orlando to Dubai diverted to Istanbul, while an American Airlines flight turned back after six hours in the air. These diversions add significant expenses for airlines, including extra fuel costs and labor, as well as potential delays and compensation for passengers.
The economic impact extends beyond immediate cancellations and reroutes. Major carriers like Air India have suspended flights to the Middle East entirely, while others are facing operational challenges due to reduced capacity and potential delays upon resumption of normal operations. This disruption highlights the vulnerability of global air travel networks to geopolitical tensions, with airlines incurring millions in additional costs and passengers experiencing significant inconvenience.
The situation underscores the broader implications for international trade and supply chains, which rely heavily on efficient air transport. Previous disruptions during events like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and India-Pakistan tensions demonstrate that such incidents are not isolated but part of a larger trend of geopolitical instability affecting global aviation. As airlines grapple with rising costs and operational challenges, the need for robust contingency planning becomes increasingly critical to mitigate financial losses and ensure passenger safety.
This disruption also highlights the interconnectedness of global air travel and the potential ripple effects on businesses and economies worldwide. The ongoing situation in Iran serves as a reminder of how quickly tensions can escalate and impact key transportation hubs, leaving airlines and travelers alike vulnerable to unexpected disruptions.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/28/2026