The United Arab Emirates briefly closed its airspace on Tuesday in response to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran, marking a second consecutive day of aviation disruption after a drone incident near Dubai airport.

Authorities later said operations had returned to normal following the temporary shutdown.

War Disrupts Global Aviation

The ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, now in its third week, has severely disrupted global aviation, with large parts of Middle Eastern airspace shut due to security concerns.

Flights across the region have been cancelled, rerouted or delayed, affecting one of the world’s busiest transit corridors between Europe and Asia.

Airlines Scale Back Operations

Major Gulf carriers, including Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad, have reduced operations, running only a fraction of their usual schedules.

Data showed a sharp drop in flight activity following Monday’s disruption, although some airlines have managed fewer cancellations than others.

Travel And Costs Impacted

The disruption has driven up fuel surcharges and ticket prices, while also affecting cargo flows, including shipments of critical goods such as medicines.

Travellers have faced uncertainty, with many forced to alter or cancel holiday plans.

Airlines Adjust Routes

Airlines outside the region are adjusting their strategies.

British Airways has extended cancellations to several Middle Eastern destinations and is increasing flights to alternative locations such as Singapore and Bangkok, citing rising demand.

Industry officials say the impact of the conflict could persist for weeks or longer, as uncertainty over regional airspace continues.

(with inputs from Reuters)