Middle East Conflict Causes Global Flight Chaos

0:00This is Corey, and this episode is brought to you by NordVPN, fast, reliable, online privacy. Links in the episode description. Here's what's making news across the UK right now. Nearly 6,000 flights have been cancelled worldwide, with almost 30,000 more delayed, all sparked by escalating conflict in the middle. East, major hubs like Dubai International, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, shut down after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, followed by Iranian missile retaliation, targeting Israel and Gulf states. Airports in those areas took direct hits, grounding operations across the region. Airlines, including Emirates, Eddie Had and Qatar Airways, have suspended flights too, and from these spots until at least Monday afternoon, local time. They've offered re-booking or full refunds for tickets up to early March, while urging passengers to check status before heading to airports. Airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar remains mostly closed, squeezing global routes.

1:04Travelers are stranded everywhere from Bali to Mumbai and Kathmandu, facing long queues and endless weights. Crews and planes are out of position, forcing rerouts that hike fuel costs and stretch journey times. Experts note this rivals the chaos of the pandemic, with over a quarter million passengers affected daily at hubs, bigger than Heathrow. The UK government now advises against all but essential travel to Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, and no travel to Iran. British nationals there should register for updates. Even with some UK to Middle East flights still scheduled Sunday, aviation pros warn of backlogs when skies reopen, pushing cancelled passengers to the end of the line. Airlines are monitoring closely with authorities, ready to resume as soon as it's safe but for now patients is key while the region sorts through. The follow out.