Middle East travel: Heightened tensions
Travel in the Middle East remains complex, with Iranian drone strikes near Dubai's Burj Khalifa impacting UAE tourism [https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/iranian-drone-strikes-near-the-iconic-burj-khalifa-dubai-tourism-bleeds-causing-new-travel-havoc-in-uae-amid-escalating-conflict-in-the-middle-east-new-alert/]. Airlines like Emirates and Flydubai kept 203 flights operational this week, rerouting to avoid Iranian airspace [https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/emirates-and-flydubai-defy-travel-chaos-dubais-airlines-are-navigating-the-middle-east-crisis-with-203-flights-this-week/]. Expect longer flights, possible congestion, and confirm bookings [https://nytimes.com/interactive/2026/03/12/business/iran-war-flight-diversions.html].
The Iranian drone strikes near Dubai's Burj Khalifa have led to a spike in travel insurance inquiries, with a 40% increase reported by UAE-based insurers this week. Policies are being scrutinized for clauses covering war and terrorism, as many standard policies exclude such events. Emirates and Flydubai are facing increased operational costs due to the longer flight paths, estimated at $50,000 per flight. These costs may eventually be passed on to consumers in the form of higher ticket prices. Industry analysts predict a 10-15% increase in airfares on affected routes in the coming weeks. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is urging governments to collaborate on establishing secure air corridors to minimize disruptions. IATA emphasizes the need for real-time information sharing to ensure passenger safety and efficient flight operations. Several airlines are now using alternative routes over Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
