Airlines weigh Middle East cancellations after US strikes in Iran strand thousands
Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes
Singapore Airlines, one of the highest-profile in Asia, had called the situation 'fluid' on Sunday as it cancelled flights from Singapore to Dubai following a security assessment.
The Middle East route has become more important for flights between Europe and Asia since Russian and Ukrainian airspace closed due to the crisis, but flight tracking website
Air France KLM said on Sunday that it cancelled flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh on Sunday and Monday.
British Airways, owned by IAG ICAG.L, also cancelled flights to and from Dubai and Doha for Sunday. It was still reviewing the situation, it said in a statement on Sunday evening, when asked about later flights.
Missile and drone barrages in a growing number of conflict zones represent a high risk to airline traffic, and an organisation that monitors flight risks, Safe Airspace, a website run by OPSGROUP, warned on Sunday that US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites could heighten the threat to American operators in the region.
Airlines: cancellations, oil price concerns
In the days before the US strikes, American Airlines suspended flights to Qatar and United Airlines did the same with flights to Dubai.
Airlines are also concerned about a potential spike in oil prices following the US attacks, which will increase the cost of jet fuel.
Israel meanwhile is ramping up flights to help stranded travellers at home and abroad.
The country's Airports Authority says that so-called rescue flights to the country would expand on Monday with 24 a day, although each flight would be limited to 50 passengers.
Israeli airline El Al on Sunday said it had received applications to leave the country from about 25,000 people in about a day.
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About IIM Ahmedabad: The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), established in 1961, is India's premier management institute and is consistently ranked among the world's top business schools. Renowned for its academic excellence, pioneering research, and influential alumni network, IIMA offers a comprehensive portfolio of programs including MBA, doctoral, and executive education. IIMA's commitment to leadership, innovation, and societal impact has made it a benchmark in management education globally.
