European airlines are massively switching to direct flights: how the war in the Middle East is changing travel

European airlines are increasing direct flights to Asia and Africa due to instability in the Middle East. Find out how this will affect travel and what new routes have already appeared

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Amid the worsening situation in the Middle East, global aviation is rapidly changing its usual routes. Due to airspace restrictions and growing security risks, travelers are increasingly refusing to make transfers in the Persian Gulf region - and this is already significantly affecting the air transport market.

In response to the new conditions, European airlines are actively increasing the number of direct long-haul flights to Asia and Africa.

In detail, how the war in the Middle East is changing the European air transport market is described in this article.

Read how the war around Iran has changed the cost of air tickets here.

Why are passengers avoiding transfers in the Middle East?

Euronews reports that recent geopolitical events, in particular, strikes by the US and Israel on Iran, have led to serious disruptions in the aviation industry of the Persian Gulf countries. Partial airspace closures and mass flight cancellations have forced airlines to urgently review their routes.

Traditional transit hubs – Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi – have long remained key nodes between Europe, Asia and Africa. However, they are now partially losing passenger traffic due to flight restrictions, security risks and unstable schedules.

As a result, more and more travelers are choosing direct flights, even if they are more expensive, and airlines are forced to urgently increase the number of routes.

Also read, due to the conflict in the Middle East, international airlines are changing flight routes and concentrating flights in narrow air corridors. How have travel times changed?

How many direct flights to Asia did European airlines add in March?

European carriers are quickly adapting to the new conditions and expanding their offers, in recent weeks alone:

- Lufthansa has added four additional flights from Munich to Singapore, as well as two to Cape Town.

- Austrian Airlines has launched ten special flights from Vienna to Bangkok.

- Air France has increased aircraft capacity on routes to Bangkok, Singapore, Delhi, Mumbai, Shanghai, Tokyo and Phuket. In addition, the airline plans to add additional flights to Bangkok, Singapore and Delhi.

- British Airways has increased flights to Bangkok and Singapore

Airlines are directly declaring a sharp increase in demand for non-stop routes and are already planning new additional flights.

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New routes from Europe to Asia

In addition, it is worth noting that despite the consequences of COVID-19, from which the Asia-Pacific region has still not recovered, tourist interest in Asia is steadily recovering. According to the latest estimates, the tourist flow to the region has already reached more than 90% of the pre-COVID level. Against this background, airlines, even before the closure of airspace in the Persian Gulf countries, planned to increase the number of direct flights to Asia, in particular:

- Lufthansa launches five weekly flights from Frankfurt to Kuala Lumpur. The flight will be the fourth Asian destination offered by the airline, as the carrier already flies to Bangkok, Singapore and Phuket.

- British Airways resumes flights to Colombo three times a week and prepares flights to Melbourne via Kuala Lumpur.

- Virgin Atlantic opens daily flights to Seoul.

This trend indicates a long-term trend - the demand for long-distance travel is growing regardless of temporary crises.

Africa is another tourist magnet

The African destination is also developing no less actively. In 2025, the number of tourists on the continent increased by about 8%, and among the new air routes we can highlight:

- Air Europa launches a Madrid-Johannesburg flight;

- Aegean Airlines opens the Athens-Casablanca route (expected in October);

- EasyJet expands flights to Cape Verde from the UK, in particular, in May it plans to add a route from Bristol.

Africa is also gradually becoming more accessible to European tourists, and the number of direct flights is only growing.

Also read which safe countries in the world remain reliable “concrete safes” for saving capital and where it is best to wait out global turbulence.

The situation in the Middle East has become a catalyst for changes in global aviation, forcing carriers to review their usual routes and accelerate the development of direct long-haul flights. What was once just a trend is now becoming the new norm for international travel.

For travelers, this means more convenience, flexibility, and safety: less dependence on transit hubs, more alternative routes, and more predictable travel.

In the near future, airlines can be expected to continue expanding their direct flight network, and competition for passengers on popular destinations will only intensify, making choosing the best route and the best ticket even more important for every traveler.

That is why it is worth using services that help you quickly compare options and plan your trip without unnecessary stress.

Travel without unnecessary hassle with Visit Ukraine - a service portal where you can quickly and conveniently purchase tickets for planes, trains, and buses around the world. Take advantage of the advantages of our service:

- Favorable prices - special offers and discounts for users.

- Fast booking – buy tickets online in a few clicks.

- Reliability – proven carriers and current routes

Choose your destination, book a ticket on Visit Ukraine and travel easily!

Reminder! The escalation of the conflict in the Middle East has affected the safety of travel to Cyprus, Egypt and the UAE. Read what recommendations are in effect now, whether flights are canceled and what risks should be considered before traveling in 2026.

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