Disruptions to flight schedules cause ongoing concerns for leisure and business travellers

The European Aero-Medical Institute (EURAMI) issued an update to its members on 9 March: “The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended the validity of the existing Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB 2026-03). The current revision (R2, dated 06 March 2026) is valid until 11 March 2026, and the content of the bulletin remains unchanged.”

Affected airspace
Operators continue to be advised not to conduct operations at any flight level within the following Flight Information Regions (FIRs):

• Iran (OIIX)
• Iraq (ORBB)
• Israel (LLLL)
• Jordan (OJAC)
• Kuwait (OKAC)
• Lebanon (OLBB)
• Oman (OOMM)
• Qatar (OTDF)
• United Arab Emirates (OMAE)
• Saudi Arabia – Jeddah FIR (OEJD)
• Bahrain (OBBB).

Risk assessment
EASA continues to assess the region as presenting a high risk to civil aviation due to:

• Ongoing military activity
• The presence of advanced air defence systems and other military assets capable of operating at all altitudes
• International advisories and insurance considerations.

Multiple aviation authorities, including EASA and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), maintain security advisories or restrictions concerning parts of Middle Eastern airspace. In parallel, several aviation insurers are reportedly reviewing their exposure related to operations involving overflight of, or operations within, the region.

Operational implications
EURAMI’s update included the advice that missions should all be considered on a case-by-case basis: “The current situation may affect routing between Europe and Asia, as well as parts of Africa. With northern routings over Russia unavailable to many operators and central routings through the Middle East currently subject to high-risk assessments, alternative routing options remain limited and may require significant detours. Consequently, missions involving overflight of or operations within the affected airspaces may need to be assessed on a strict case-by-case basis.”

Fuel costs surge

Given the Middle East is such a vital source of aviation fuel (around 50% of European imports), the regional conflict is inevitably going to affect pricing for commercial operators. United Airlines has suggested tickets for consumers could rise, while Wizz Air said the price surges would affect its profit margin. With fuel typically making up around 20–40% of airline operating costs, it’s likely that insurers are going to see a rise in air ambulance prices in the longer term as a result of this conflict, rather than just a short-term increase due to demand for services.

Clarity and support needed for business travellers

Thousands of business and leisure travellers have been affected by the disruption to global air travel, no matter how far away they are from the Middle East. Planes and crews displaced, different routings due to safety concerns, and, of course, those relying on the airports listed above for departures or transfers.

Sebastien Marchon, CEO of expense management platform Rydoo, commented: “When employees are stranded abroad due to conflict or sudden travel disruption, there are immediate operational and financial considerations that must be handled quickly and calmly. Extended hotel stays, rebooked flights, and emergency expenses can escalate quickly, and rigid or slow approval processes can unintentionally add further stress for employees already in a difficult situation. 

“From a business perspective, real-time visibility is essential. Companies need to understand where the spend is happening, which employees are affected, and how costs are evolving, so they can respond quickly and ensure employees aren’t left in a vulnerable position.

“Clear communication is always important, but it needs to be backed up by practical support. Employees shouldn’t be expected to absorb unplanned travel costs or navigate lengthy reimbursement cycles simply because they’re stranded abroad. Having the right financial processes in place ensures organisations can respond quickly, protect their employees, and maintain appropriate oversight during periods of disruption.”