The war in Iran has sent shockwaves through global air travel, with airlines in the Middle East and Asia bearing the brunt of disruptions. Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has roughly doubled jet fuel prices, forcing carriers worldwide to raise fares and add fuel surcharges. Air France-KLM has added a 50 euro ($58) surcharge on long-haul flights.

U.S. airlines have remained relatively insulated as American travelers continue flying despite higher prices, while European carriers have benefited from fuel hedging strategies. But Middle Eastern airlines have canceled tens of thousands of flights due to safety restrictions, and Asian carriers face surging costs, longer flight times, and fuel shortages. More than a quarter of all Middle East flights have been canceled, according to flight data company Cirium.

Air India has canceled 16 of its 36 long-haul flights connecting the Middle East to India, while travelers like Dheeraj Kommu from Bengaluru have abandoned plans due to uncertainty. Airlines are now rethinking routes, with Air New Zealand trimming less popular flights and China Southern rerouting services through Sydney. The conflict is also creating opportunities for carriers like Qantas, which reports flights to Europe are 15 percentage points fuller than normal as travelers avoid Middle Eastern hubs.