Global airlines are suffering severe delays due to the ongoing Gulf conflict. As the airspace above Iran and Iraq is now closed, flight routes are being changed to either the north or south creating longer, busier corridors.
Northern Corridor Congestion
Flightradar24 data shows that there is heavy traffic across a 100km wide strip in northern Azerbaijan. This country, which is about the same size as Portugal, has a population of around 3.5 million. The narrow airspace is a challenge for airlines trying to avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace.
Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, western airlines avoid Russian airspace including Siberia.
Gulf Airlines Respond
To help evacuate passengers stranded, airlines based in Oman and the UAE have increased their flights.
The majority of traffic is now heading north through the Caucasus, Afghanistan, or south via Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The routes have been extended, increasing flight time and fuel consumption.
Longer Routes Affect Passengers
John Strickland, an aviation consultant, warns passengers to expect longer flights. In recent weeks, some airlines began adjusting their routes as tensions increased.Congestion can be a problem during peak times such as Europe-to Asia flights in the afternoon or Asia-to Europe flights early in the morning.
Qantas, while most airlines do not add extra stops to their routes from Perth to London, has added a fuel stop in Singapore. The southern route for flights to India is also longer.
Azerbaijan faces risks
Azerbaijan is a former Soviet oil-rich republic that borders Russia, Iran. Armenia and Georgia. Azerbaijan’s involvement in an escalation could cause massive disruptions by blocking a large stretch of airspace between Saudi Arabia and northern Russia.
Gulf Airlines may have to restructure their business models permanently if the conflict persists. Dubai and Abu Dhabi depend on connecting flights to Asia from Europe, which offer shorter trips with stops for shopping and tourism. A prolonged disruption may force airlines to look for alternative hubs, such as Riyadh and Istanbul.
