The ongoing conflict in West Asia has disrupted a major part of airline operations in the Middle East. Several airlines have rerouted or suspended flights to avoid airspace affected by the conflict, according to industry experts.
This ultimately resulted in major schedule alterations and longer travel times for both domestic and international flights. Let's take a look at how these disruptions have impacted air travel and what this means for you.
Recent news reports indicate that several Middle East-based airlines, including Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad, have delayed flights due to ongoing geopolitical conflicts. Many flight services have been continuously suspended, and some special flights have been canceled as a result.
On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel conducted airstrikes against Iran, which led to the killing of Iran’s supreme leader. Due to the escalating conflict, the airspace in the region is currently closed. In response, Tehran is carrying out retaliatory attacks throughout the Gulf and is also targeting airports.
Travel insurance coverage can vary significantly based on policy terms. It may cover flight delays or cancellations, depending on the specific reasons for the disruption. Users are advised to carefully review their policy details. This includes the following:
Your insurance coverage limits
The reasons for delay or cancellation
The documentation required to file a claim
Did you just miss your flight or international trip to your dream country? And now you are stuck with the question of whether you will get insurance. Well, in line with this, Travel insurance can cover flight delays or cancellations, but the coverage usually depends on the terms of your policy.
“In most cases, insurers provide protection if the disruption is caused by specific reasons such as severe weather conditions, airline strikes, or mechanical issues with the aircraft,” Rahul Mathur, CEO at Roinet Insurance Broker Pvt Ltd, explained in a report.