Tensions in the Middle East ripple across air routes

發佈日期: 2025-06-21 00:17

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Amid an escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, several U.S. airlines have suspended flights to parts of the Middle East.

A Hong Kong-based commercial pilot says flights to Europe are now rerouting to avoid high-risk airspace, which could lead to longer journey times and rising ticket prices.

With both Israel and Iran having closed their airspace, airlines are steering clear of Iraq, Syria and Jordan.

Many now reroute through Turkey or Saudi Arabia.

Steven Dominique Cheung, Chairman of the Hong Kong Professional Airline Pilots Association, says the impact is significant as major Middle Eastern hubs likes Dubai and Doha serve both passenger and cargo traffic to Europe.

He says with additional aircraft rerouted through the same area, delays become inevitable and so are rises in ticket prices because of the longer flight duration.

American Airlines and United Airlines have suspended several flights to Dubai and Doha, which are key stopovers for many Hong Kong passengers travelling to Europe.

This afternoon, two flights from Dubai and Doha to Hong Kong were both delayed more than half an hour with some passengers having to rush to catch the transit flight.