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The conflict between the US and Iran has paralysed the aviation market: 4,000 flights cancelled

The conflict between the US and Iran has paralysed the aviation market: 4,000 flights cancelled

Katerina Melnychenko Deputy Editor-in-Chief

02 March 2026, 19:00

The conflict between the US and Iran has paralysed the aviation market: 4,000 flights cancelled — stock photo

Due to the escalating conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, more than 4,000 flights have been cancelled worldwide in three days. Tens of thousands of passengers have been stranded, and airlines have faced the biggest disruption since the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Reuters, the escalation in the Middle East has led to massive flight cancellations and a sharp drop in the shares of travel and aviation companies.

According to the analytical company Cirium, at least 4,000 flights have been cancelled worldwide since Saturday, 1,560 of them on Monday alone. The actual figure may be higher due to incomplete data.

Dubai and Doha airports, two of the world's largest international hubs, remain closed for the third day in a row. Jordan has partially closed its airspace.

Oil prices have risen 13% to their highest level since January 2025. Analysts warn that this means additional financial pressure on airlines due to higher fuel costs.

After trading opened, American Airlines and United Airlines shares fell by more than 6%. European companies also suffered losses: TUI was down 9.6%, Lufthansa was down 5.7%, and IAG was down 5.4%.

Experts predict that disruptions could continue for several more weeks due to route changes, fuel costs and uncertainty in the region.

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