A number of travellers are asking to avoid flying through the Middle East, or requesting flight changes after bookings have been made, advisors have told Travel Weekly.
Agents say the concerns are being driven by ongoing war and political unrest in the region. Three weeks ago, Smartraveller increased its travel advice ratings for both Qatar and Oman – countries that had previously been widely considered safe.
One advisor described a “notable” uptick in booking changes and cancellations involving Middle Eastern routes. While uncertainty in the region has existed for some time, they said travellers are now reacting more quickly to new developments.
Several advisors also reported an increase in requests to travel to Europe via the US or Asia instead, often resulting in more complex and, in some cases, more expensive flight itineraries.
In June, Qatar Airways was forced to suspend global operations after Qatari airspace was temporarily closed, bringing Hamad International Airport – one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs – to a standstill.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer later addressed passengers in an open letter, acknowledging the disruption and thanking customers for their support.
“This week brought an operational crisis few airlines will ever encounter, and one that challenged the very core of what it means to run a global airline,” he wrote, adding that passengers trust “is not taken lightly”.
Despite the current concerns, Middle Eastern airlines continue to dominate global rankings and are renowned for their high standards and safety. Qatar Airways was named the world’s best airline for 2025 by Skytrax, with Emirates ranking fourth globally and Turkish Airlines sixth.
