[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Lufthansa Group has decided to suspend multiple Middle East routes through the fall as ongoing conflict in the region disrupts air travel and raises safety concerns.

The German airline said on March 23 (local time) that it will halt flights to several destinations—including Tehran, Riyadh, Dammam, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Erbil, Beirut, and Amman—until October 24. Flights to Tel Aviv will remain suspended until May 31.

The suspension will also be implemented across its subsidiaries, including SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and ITA Airways. Low-cost carrier Eurowings will suspend select routes to Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Erbil at least until April 30.

The move follows escalating tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran since late last month, effectively disrupting key Middle East air corridors. Airlines have increasingly canceled flights to the region due to safety concerns and a sharp decline in demand.

In response, Lufthansa is accelerating network adjustments, including plans to launch direct flights to Kuala Lumpur starting in October and expand services to Bangkok, aiming to offset capacity losses from suspended Middle East routes.

Market analysts suggest the conflict could create opportunities for European airlines, as Gulf carriers—previously key players in Europe-Asia transit traffic—face operational disruptions, while demand on alternative routes rises.

According to German media outlet T-Online, carriers in Europe, including Lufthansa, as well as airlines in the UK and France, are benefiting as passengers seek alternative travel routes.

Industry experts also note that airfare prices have surged significantly. Round-trip tickets between Munich and Bangkok during the upcoming Easter holiday period have reportedly climbed to at least €3,300 (approximately $3,600), reflecting tightening supply and shifting demand.

 

 

 

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