RIYADH: The Middle East’s tourism and hospitality sector faces severe disruption as the widening Iran war shuts down airspace and forces widespread flight cancelations, stranding travelers and upending travel plans across the region.
Industry figures have told Arab News of an 80 percent cancellation rate for hotel rooms as the impact of reduced and cancelled flights hits the sector.
Major Gulf hubs, including Dubai, remained closed for a fourth day on March 3, sharply reducing capacity on key routes such as Australia–Europe, where Emirates and Qatar Airways hold significant market share.
The conflict threatens the region’s hospitality sector as countries, including Saudi Arabia, push to become global tourism hubs and diversify away from oil.
Eti Bhasin, executive director Majestic Hotels UAE — which operates three hotels in Dubai with a combined 438 rooms — told Arab News the group has seen a surge in cancelations in recent days amid regional instability.
