Airline ticket prices have risen sharply on routes between Asia and Europe following the closure of major Gulf airports amid the U.S.-Israel war against Iran. Key hubs like Dubai have been shut for a fourth day, leading to widespread cancellations and rebookings. Passengers face limited availability and higher costs as airlines reroute flights.
The closure of major Gulf airports, including Dubai—the world's busiest international airport handling over 1,000 flights a day—has disrupted air travel significantly. These hubs remained closed on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, due to escalating tensions from the U.S.-Israel war against Iran. This has slashed capacity on popular routes, such as those from Australia to Europe, where carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways hold a high market share. Airline websites show many flights booked out for days.
Australia's Flight Centre Travel Group reported a 75% increase in calls to its stores and emergency lines since the crisis began. Global Managing Director Andrew Stark noted that teams are working around the clock to rebook customers through alternative hubs in China, Singapore, and the United States.
One affected traveler, 20-year-old Charlotte Kennard, along with her father Richard, had their Emirates flight from Birmingham to Sydney via Dubai canceled on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Despite the airline monitoring the situation, no updates arrived, and they found the flight canceled upon reaching the airport. They secured one-way seats on a Singapore Airlines flight from London on March 3 for 1,900 pounds (A$3,620) each—far exceeding their original return fare of $2,300. "Living in Australia, we're generally quite far from conflict and I think being closer to it provoked a new sense of fear and stress," Ms. Kennard said. "Ultimately, we are just looking forward to seeing our home, family and dog again."
Carriers offering non-stop Asia-Europe flights are bypassing the closed Middle Eastern airspace by routing north via the Caucasus and Afghanistan or south via Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. These detours may increase flight times and fuel usage, especially with spiking oil prices, potentially leading to higher fares long-term.
Subhas Menon, head of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines, stated, "Right now the whole of the Middle East is out of bounds, which is a high price for some airlines. If then Europe can only be served at a high cost, airline profitability will be undermined. At the end of the day, the price to pay is connectivity."
Alton Aviation Consultancy indicated that airlines like Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines may see short-term gains as passengers shift from Gulf-based carriers. Checks on airline websites on March 3 showed limited near-term bookings and elevated prices. For instance, Cathay Pacific had no economy seats from Hong Kong to London until March 11, with one-way tickets at HK$21,158 ($2,705.28). Qantas offered no economy options from Sydney to London until March 17 at $3,129 one-way. Thai Airways flights from Bangkok to London were sold out until late the following week, with fares at 71,190 baht ($2,265) on March 15. Taiwan's EVA Airways reported surged bookings for Europe-bound flights, while mainland Chinese airlines like Air China showed fares far above normal, with economy seats unavailable and business class options like a Beijing-London one-way at 50,490 yuan on March 4.
