Travel Disruptions Amid Middle East Tensions: Airlines and Cruise Lines Adjust Itineraries
Global Aviation – Major travel disruptions persist across the Middle East due to military tensions that erupted on February 28, 2026. Multiple airlines have cancelled flights and cruise lines have adjusted itineraries in response to regional security concerns.
Philippine Airlines has cancelled several flights to and from the Middle East, including routes to Doha, Riyadh, and Dubai, citing “restrictions in flight operations in the concerned Middle East stations.” Indian carriers, Air India and IndiGo, have suspended operations across the Middle East pending security reviews. IndiGo has extended suspensions through March 28 for routes to Central Asian destinations including Almaty, Baku, Tashkent, and Tbilisi.
Qatar’s tourism sector is facing significant challenges following a missile strike in the region and a six-hour shelter-in-place order on February 28. Early data indicates an immediate 20-30% surge in cancellations from U.S.-bound tourists, with travel insurance claims rising sharply. Corporate policies have been swiftly adjusted, with several multinational companies imposing travel bans on non-essential employees to Qatar.
The cruise industry has also been affected, with MSC Euribia remaining in Dubai rather than departing amid ongoing regional tensions. Several cruise ships have altered itineraries and cancelled sailings due to the intensifying military conflict. The U.S. State Department and other governments have issued travel advisories, with carriers avoiding Iranian airspace and taking Central Asia detours. Travelers are advised to check flight status before heading to airports as the backlog and rerouting of global paths continues to cause delays.
Source: Travel and Tour World