Escalating tensions in parts of the Middle East are beginning to weigh on the region’s tourism industry, with airlines cancelling schedules, tour operators revising itineraries and travellers adopting a wait and watch approach.
Flight tracking website FlightAware said airlines have cancelled more than 2,700 flights globally and more than 12,300 flights are delayed as of 1720 GMT Sunday.
Air India on Sunday announced the cancellation of several flights, including services to UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Qatar after the Iran US conflict disrupted flight operations due to multiple countries closing their airspace. The ongoing hostilities, which have expanded across the region, intensified after Iran targeted US facilities in several Gulf nations, further impacting aviation routes.
“In view of the prevailing situation, the temporary suspension of select international flights that use Middle East airspace, has been extended until 2nd March 2026, 2359 hrs IST,” said IndiGo on its X post. Another LCC, Akasa Air also suspended all its Middle East operations.
Qatar Airways announced that it had temporarily suspended all operations owing to the closure of the airspace in the country.
Tour groups and pilgrimage traffic to Israel have slowed sharply as safety concerns dominate traveller decision making. Cruise operators have also revised Eastern Mediterranean itineraries, bypassing Israeli ports and redirecting vessels to alternative stops.
Corporate travel managers are also exercising greater caution, particularly for employee movement to affected areas.
Religious tourism has taken a significant hit, especially pilgrimage circuits centred around Jerusalem. Group travel planners are postponing departures, and recovery may take time given the long lead cycles associated with faith based travel. Insurance providers have also revised coverage advisories for certain routes, adding another layer of complexity for outbound travellers.
Analysts note that while conflicts tend to trigger immediate booking slowdowns, demand often rebounds once stability returns and travel advisories ease. For now, the sector is navigating a challenging phase, balancing operational continuity with the task of restoring traveller confidence in one of the world’s most strategically important tourism regions.