Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East are significantly disrupting the civil aviation sector, impacting flights between Europe and Asia. Altered flight paths are increasing both flight durations and costs, leading several European carriers to cancel flights to the UAE and other regional destinations, while simultaneously constraining the operational capacity of Gulf airlines.
A Narrowing Corridor: The Bottleneck Over Azerbaijan
Since February 28, 2026, following strikes in Iran, a key air corridor linking Europe with Asia, Australia and Oceania has been closed and split into northern and southern routes. Azerbaijan has become a critical coordinator for air traffic to destinations like India and Thailand, managing the majority of aircraft now routed through its control zone.
“The system is currently on the verge of collapse. If another airspace were to close, or even be restricted, the disruptions would be disproportionately large, as You’ll see simply no other alternatives,” explained Dominiks Sipinskis, editor-in-chief of “CH Aviation.”
The airspace currently used for intercontinental flights is, in some areas, approximately 80 kilometers wide. The increased volume of air traffic managed by Azerbaijani air traffic controllers is creating operational challenges.
Mihāels Robertsons, co-founder of “Flightradar24.com,” noted, “Looking at the current situation regarding the conflict in the Middle East and in Iran, the corridor over Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia is very intriguing. It’s very narrow because flights previously also went over Iran and Iraq, but that is no longer possible. Here’s the main corridor for flights between Europe and Asia, and it is becoming narrower and narrower.”
The Ripple Effect: Gulf Carrier Operations Under Strain
The Russian ban on the leverage of its airspace by countries sanctioning Russia further complicates the situation, potentially jeopardizing Europe-Asia flight routes. A closure of Azerbaijani airspace could leave most carriers with no alternative options for crossing continents.
Several airlines have adjusted operations due to the security situation. Gulf Air is operating some flights from Saudi Arabia and partially evacuated its fleet from Bahrain. Qatar Airways has stationed long-haul aircraft at long-term parking locations in Spain, a cost-effective measure similar to that used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We see that Qatar Airways, like Gulf Air and others, are maintaining a very limited route network, flying from airports in other countries. The fact that these large airlines cannot operate flights from their home base locations will inevitably create strategic challenges,” Sipinskis added.
Etihad and Emirates in the UAE are managing to operate a limited number of flights, but their operations are still impacted. As of March 24, 2026, Emirates is operating approximately 60% of its usual flights, Air Arabia over 50%, Etihad around 50%, and Qatar Airways just over 20% of its pre-February 28th schedule.
Rising Fuel Costs Add to the Pressure
Disruptions to flight paths are contributing to a rise in aviation fuel prices. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), aviation fuel prices have increased by more than 12% in recent weeks, and in some airports, by as much as $200 USD per barrel.
“Airlines have fuel contracts, but if prices continue to rise, they will pay more for fuel this summer, when demand is higher,” Sipinskis explained. Carriers may necessitate to adjust strategies, such as using larger aircraft or modifying route networks to minimize losses.
Airlines based in China and India, not subject to Russian sanctions, can shorten flight routes and reduce fuel costs by utilizing Russian airspace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the disruption to flights between Europe and Asia?
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, specifically strikes in Iran, have led to the closure of key airspace, forcing flights to reroute.
Which countries are most affected by these changes?
Countries bordering the Persian Gulf, including Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain, are directly impacted. Flights connecting Europe and Asia are also significantly affected.
What is Azerbaijan’s role in the current situation?
Azerbaijan has become a crucial transit point for flights between Europe and Asia, managing a significantly increased volume of air traffic.
As the situation evolves, will airlines be able to adapt to these new constraints, or will travelers face continued disruptions and higher prices?