Airfares between Europe, Asia, and Australia have risen sharply following the closure of part of the Middle East's airspace due to the war between the United States and Israel against Iran. Passengers are massively rebooking flights, and some routes are already sold out for several days in advance. Read more about how the conflict is affecting global air travel and ticket prices

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The war in the Middle East has already begun to have a significant impact on global aviation. Due to flight restrictions and the closure of key airports in the region, many popular routes between Europe, Asia and Australia have come under serious pressure.

As a result, airlines are forced to change routes, and the number of available flights on some routes has sharply decreased. This has already led to a rapid increase in ticket prices and a shortage of seats for the coming days.

In our previous article, we told you whether it is safe to travel to Cyprus, Egypt, and the Middle East.

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Why have airfares to Asia risen sharply

One of the main reasons for the sharp rise in airfares was the closure of part of the airspace and major airports in the Gulf region. This has significantly reduced capacity on popular routes between Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Flights that traditionally pass through the hubs of the Middle East have been particularly hard hit. For example, Dubai, the world's busiest international airport, typically handles more than a thousand flights a day. Temporary restrictions on the operation of such hubs have had a significant impact on global air transportation routes.

Additional pressure is created by a sharp increase in demand. According to Flight Centre Travel Group, the number of calls from customers trying to change or rebook flights has increased by about 75%. The company has even switched some of its teams to working around the clock to help passengers find alternative routes.

In our previous article, we talked about the scale of Iranian shelling and the consequences for the affected countries.

Airlines are changing routes and looking for alternative hubs

Due to the closure of airspace, airlines are forced to reorganize traditional routes between Europe and Asia.

Some carriers are now flying north, through the Caucasus and on to Afghanistan. Others choose a southern route through Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. These detours avoid dangerous areas, but significantly increase flight time and fuel consumption.

Passengers have also begun to actively seek alternative routes. For example, travelers from Australia are increasingly flying to Europe via China or Singapore. Others are choosing routes through North America, using transit airports like Houston.

To learn more about the sharp rise in oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East, please follow the link.

How much have tickets to popular destinations risen in price?

Problems with routes and growing demand have already led to a sharp increase in airfares.

For example, on the Hong Kong - London flight, economy class is almost sold out for the coming days. A one-way ticket for March 11 costs at least HK$21,158 (about $2,705), while later this month the price drops to about HK$5,054 ($646).

A similar situation is observed on other routes. For example, Qantas does not offer economy class on flights from Perth to Singapore until March 17. The first available ticket costs approximately AU$3129 (over USD2,200) one way.

Even traditionally available routes have risen in price significantly. An economy class ticket from Beijing to London, which usually costs less than 10,000 yuan (about $1,450), is now only available in business class for more than 50,000 yuan in some cases.

In our previous article, we told you which carriers have suffered the most from the aviation crisis over Iran and how to protect yourself while traveling.

How the situation may affect airfares in the future

Experts warn that airfare increases may persist in the long term. Airlines use more fuel due to detours, and amid rising global oil prices, this further increases transportation costs.

According to Subhas Menon, the head of the Asia Pacific Airlines Association, the current situation actually makes a large part of the Middle East inaccessible for air travel. If flights between Europe and Asia become more expensive, this could seriously affect the profitability of airlines and ultimately affect the availability of transportation for passengers.

At the same time, some carriers may temporarily benefit from this situation. Airlines that operate direct flights or use hubs outside the conflict zone, such as Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines, may receive additional demand from passengers looking for alternative routes.

What tourists should consider before booking flights to Asia

Due to the closure of parts of the Middle East airspace and re-routing, many flights between Europe, Asia, and Australia are now being operated on alternative routes. This can affect not only prices but also travel time and ticket availability.

Tourists planning to travel to Asia in the near future should consider several important points:

1. Book tickets in advance, as seats on popular routes can sell out quickly;

2. Check alternative routes through other hubs, such as Singapore, China, or major airports in North America;

3. Keep a close eye on changes in flight schedules, as airlines may change routes depending on the situation in the region;

4. Take into account that detours may increase the duration of the flight and the number of transfers.

Experts also advise to check the current transit rules and possible restrictions in the countries of transit before booking, as the situation in international aviation can change rapidly.