Travel Chaos Worsens as Iran Conflict Shuts Key Mideast Airports Travel disruptions intensified across the Middle East and beyond on Monday as airlines in the Persian Gulf suspended flights due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, leading to significant delays and cancellations at major airports. The crisis sent airline stocks plummeting, reflecting growing concerns over the impact of the escalating tensions on global travel networks. Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, announced it would halt all operations to and from Dubai until 3 p.m. local time on Monday, with warnings of ongoing disruptions through Thursday. Etihad Airways extended its flight cancellations until 2 p.m. on the same day, while Qatar Airways suspended flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace. These measures left passengers stranded and caused widespread confusion at some of the busiest airports in the region. The situation unfolded against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions, with the conflict in the Middle East disrupting critical transportation hubs. Erbil International Airport in Iraq, for example, saw a plume of smoke rising near its premises on March 1, underscoring the immediate and visible impact of the crisis on infrastructure and operations. The ripple effects of the disruptions extended far beyond the region, affecting international travel routes and prompting airlines to reassess their schedules. With key airports in the Persian Gulf forced to close or limit operations, travelers faced uncertainty as airlines scrambled to manage the fallout. The financial markets also reacted swiftly, with airline stocks dropping sharply as investors anticipated prolonged disruptions and potential losses.#persian_gulf #etihad_airways #emirates_airlines #qatar_airways #erbil_international_airport
