Travellers face longer flights as airlines have ‘zero pressure to save time’ to avoid war zones

The Middle East serves as a crucial hub for international flights, connecting continents like North America, Europe, and Asia. However, recent conflicts have made it difficult for airlines to operate as usual. They've had to change their routes to avoid dangerous areas, leading to longer flights. For instance, Israel's national airline, El Al, has had to fly around certain regions, adding hours to their trips. Other airlines have also stopped flying to certain cities due to safety concerns, which has decreased the number of people traveling to those areas.

Countries like Yemen, Syria, and Sudan are typically avoided by airlines due to ongoing conflicts. Additionally, American and British airlines steer clear of Iranian airspace, which pushes their routes over Iraq. If the situation worsens and more airspace is closed, it could significantly impact flights between Europe and Asia. Airlines would have to take longer, costlier detours, which could also be risky.

The detours around these no-fly zones are not only time-consuming but also expensive. The cost of operating flights increases with every additional hour in the air, mainly due to higher fuel consumption and crew wages. European and North American airlines are struggling with these changes, especially since they can't fly over Russia like some of their Chinese counterparts. This has allowed Chinese airlines to gain a competitive edge in the market, as they can offer more direct routes.