Home » Australia Travel News » Japan Joins New Zealand, Thailand, India, Australia, Uzbekistan, South Korea, And Twenty Four More Countries In West Asia In Managing Emergency Responses And Airspace Closures Amid Strikes And Conflict, As UK Issues Urgent Travel Advisory For Stranded Travelers
Published on
March 20, 2026
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Japan joins New Zealand, Thailand, India, Australia, Uzbekistan, South Korea, and 24 other countries in West Asia in tackling emergency solutions and navigating airspace blockages from Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman as the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict has severely disrupted global travel. The geopolitical tensions have led to airspace closures, flight cancellations, and delays that have affected not only the Middle East but also destinations across Asia, Oceania, and the Pacific. With thousands of travelers stranded and tourism industries hit hard, countries from Japan to Australia are now scrambling to adjust, implementing emergency measures and advisories to safeguard their citizens and manage the flow of travel through increasingly restricted routes.
The ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict has dramatically reshaped global travel dynamics, causing widespread airspace closures, flight cancellations, and travel advisories. What began as targeted strikes between the US and Israel on Iranian assets in late February 2026 quickly escalated into broader regional tensions, affecting air travel, tourism, and business operations across the Middle East and beyond.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) responded by issuing urgent travel advisories for 31 countries that were directly or indirectly affected by the geopolitical crisis. As airlines grounded flights, rerouted air traffic, and canceled services, travelers across the world were caught in the chaos, with thousands stranded or facing altered itineraries.
The Impact on Air Travel and Tourism
One of the most immediate and noticeable effects of the conflict has been the impact on air travel. Countries in the Middle East, such as Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman, restricted their airspace or closed it entirely, forcing flights to be rerouted or canceled. Major hubs such as Dubai International, Doha, and Abu Dhabi — usually thriving centers for international air traffic — were either closed temporarily or severely limited in capacity.
The global aviation industry felt these restrictions immediately. Airlines like British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Oman Air suspended their flights to and from the affected regions, leaving thousands of passengers stranded in airports. The ripple effects of these airspace restrictions also caused long delays and cancellations for flights that usually pass through the region. For travelers, this meant longer travel times, unexpected stops, and significant disruptions to their itineraries. With many flights being rerouted or postponed, airlines had to find alternative routes, which in many cases meant longer flights with higher fuel costs — and consequently, higher ticket prices.
Moreover, with airspace restrictions and flight delays becoming routine, tourism suffered as well. Many countries, especially those in West Asia, rely heavily on tourism for their economy. Countries like Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, and the UAE were already seeing declining tourism due to earlier regional tensions, and the ongoing conflict only exacerbated the situation. Visitor numbers plummeted, particularly in Gulf states and countries like Israel, which was directly involved in the conflict. The sudden rise in airfare prices due to the conflict, combined with the fear of being caught in a war zone, has deterred many potential tourists from visiting the region.
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The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) issued an urgent travel advisory to all British citizens planning to travel to, or already in, the affected countries. The advisory recommended that travelers reconsider their plans to travel to Israel, Lebanon, and other regions embroiled in the conflict, as well as those countries facing disruptions due to airspace restrictions. Many countries in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania were indirectly affected by the conflict due to rerouted flights and canceled air travel.
Countries like Japan, New Zealand, Thailand, and Australia, which are geographically far removed from the conflict zone, still felt the consequences. For example, Japan, which has a strong relationship with the Middle East for energy imports, had to adjust its travel policies and issue travel advisories for citizens planning to travel to the affected regions. Australia and New Zealand also issued similar advisories, urging citizens to exercise caution and monitor the travel situation closely.
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The 31 Countries Affected by the Conflict1. Singapore
Although Singapore itself has remained unaffected by the conflict, travelers transiting through the Middle East have faced significant disruptions. Flights to and from Singapore Changi Airport have been delayed as routes are rerouted around Middle Eastern airspace. The FCDO advises British travelers to check airline schedules closely before booking and to stay alert for any changes in flight routes that might impact transit times.
2. Vietnam
Vietnam has so far avoided direct impacts from the conflict, but the global aviation network has been disrupted, especially for flights connecting Asia and the Middle East. Travelers to Vietnam should expect delays and potential flight rerouting, particularly if passing through affected regions.
3. Philippines
While the Philippines remains safe from direct conflict, its aviation sector is feeling the effects of Middle East airspace restrictions. Airline delays are expected as flights traveling through the region experience disruptions. Tourists should consider rerouting plans and verify flight statuses ahead of travel.
4. Tuvalu
As one of the most remote nations in the Pacific, Tuvalu is unlikely to be directly affected by the conflict. However, due to the ongoing issues with Middle Eastern airspace, travelers transiting through international hubs may face delays or rerouting on long-haul flights.
5. Laos
Laos has experienced minimal disruption, with the primary concern being flight delays and possible rerouting for travelers connecting via Middle Eastern hubs. As the conflict continues to impact global routes, Laos may face temporary aviation delays.
6. Thailand
Thailand has not faced direct conflict; however, air traffic disruptions have impacted travelers flying from Europe and other parts of Asia. The FCDO has urged travelers to check for travel updates from their airlines and to expect longer transit times for flights involving the Middle East.
7. Uzbekistan
Although Uzbekistan has not been a direct target of the conflict, flight routes over the Middle East are being rerouted, affecting passengers traveling to or from Uzbekistan. Increased airfares and longer flight durations are expected, especially for international travel.
8. New Zealand
New Zealand continues to operate smoothly; however, as a long-haul destination, it relies heavily on air traffic passing through the Middle East. Flight cancellations and rerouted services from international hubs have caused disruptions, particularly for travelers heading to New Zealand.
9. Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, travelers are advised to be cautious due to global aviation disruptions. While the country is not directly impacted by the conflict, delays, flight cancellations, and longer air travel times due to rerouted flights may cause inconvenience for passengers.
10. Australia
Australia has been impacted by the conflict as international flights from Europe, Asia, and the US face delays and cancellations. Airlines have issued advisory notices warning of potential flight delays for travelers transiting through Middle Eastern airports.
11. Indonesia
For Indonesia, the conflict has resulted in extended flight times as air traffic reroutes. The FCDO advises travelers to plan ahead and check with airlines for updates regarding flight statuses. Indonesia’s tourism may also see a slight decline as long-haul international flights face delays.
12. Brunei
Brunei has largely avoided direct impacts, but as a transit point for international travelers, air travel delays are expected. Brunei citizens and tourists should keep an eye on regional airspace closures and possible re-routing through neighboring hubs like Singapore.
13. Japan
Japan, being located further east, has not been affected directly by the conflict, but it has seen indirect impacts on air travel. Travelers flying to Japan from Europe and the Middle East should prepare for potential delays or flight cancellations as Middle Eastern hubs are disrupted. There may also be higher airfare prices due to rerouted flight paths.
14. Georgia
Georgia, like many countries in the region, is experiencing increased flight delays as global aviation faces challenges with airspace closures. The government has issued travel advisories to stay updated with airline schedules and avoid unnecessary travel to regions affected by the conflict.
15. Tajikistan
Tajikistan has seen minimal direct impact, but air traffic is affected as flight paths over the Middle East are disrupted. Travelers should stay informed about flight rerouting and allow for extra time to clear customs and transit through different hubs.
16. Nepal
For Nepal, air traffic disruptions are anticipated, especially for long-haul flights that pass through Middle Eastern hubs. Nepalese nationals returning from affected regions or traveling internationally may experience longer travel times and additional delays.
17. Maldives
The Maldives is typically a top destination for tourists, but tourism is down amid the travel chaos. Middle Eastern airspace closures and the rerouting of international flights have led to fewer direct flights to the Maldives. The tourism industry may experience a significant dip in visitor numbers.
18. Fiji
Fiji has faced minimal disruptions directly, but due to regional air traffic issues, long-haul travelers flying from Europe or the US through the Middle East may experience delays. As a popular tourist destination, Fiji’s tourism industry may also see impacts due to limited air connections.
19. Malaysia
Malaysia’s airports and tourism sectors are largely unaffected by direct conflict. However, long-haul flights to Malaysia face disruption due to the closure of Middle Eastern airspace, particularly for international tourists traveling from Europe or the US.
20. India
India has felt significant disruption as many Middle Eastern hubs serve as major transit points for flights traveling between Europe and Asia. Flight delays and cancellations have been reported, particularly for flights heading to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
21. Papua New Guinea
Though Papua New Guinea is located far from the Middle East, its air travel is impacted by the broader disruptions. Long-haul flights passing through affected areas may experience delays, and passengers are advised to stay updated with flight schedules and possible changes.
22. Cambodia
For Cambodia, the conflict has caused indirect disruptions. Although Cambodia is not involved in the conflict, air traffic heading to and from Southeast Asia has been rerouted, causing delays and longer travel times.
23. South Korea
In South Korea, which remains stable amid the conflict, travelers may experience delays as flights pass through rerouted airspace in the Middle East. The FCDO has advised travelers to stay informed about air travel restrictions and adjust travel plans accordingly.
24. Samoa
For Samoa, the country remains unaffected by the conflict, but international travel is impacted by the air traffic disruptions in the Middle East. Visitors traveling from Europe or the US may face longer flight durations as airlines seek alternative routes.
25. Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands experiences minimal disruption from the ongoing conflict, but the wider impact on global aviation has affected international flight schedules. Travelers to and from the islands may experience extended travel times due to rerouted routes.
26. Tonga
While Tonga itself is not directly affected, the global aviation crisis stemming from Middle Eastern tensions means longer flights for those traveling from or to Tonga. The local tourism sector may also face reduced international arrivals.
27. Nauru
In Nauru, minimal conflict impact has been felt, but travel disruptions are likely due to rerouted flights and longer journey times for passengers transiting through international hubs in Asia or the Middle East.
28. Vanuatu
Vanuatu, located in the South Pacific, is largely unaffected by the conflict but will likely face indirect effects from global airspace closures. Flight delays and cancellations on international routes may occur as a result of the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
29. Marshall Islands
As a small Pacific island nation, Marshall Islands has felt minimal direct effects, but global travel disruptions have impacted international flights. Rerouted air traffic could cause delays for travelers heading to or from the islands.
30. Kiribati
The Kiribati Islands, located in the central Pacific, face limited disruption due to the conflict. However, regional air traffic issues may cause delays for travelers transiting through affected Middle Eastern hubs.
31. Sri Lanka
Finally, Sri Lanka remains stable, but as with many other nations, international flights have been impacted by airspace closures and the global aviation crisis. Sri Lankan nationals traveling internationally and tourists visiting the country may experience longer travel durations due to air traffic rerouting.
Travel Smart: Top Tips for Navigating West Asia During the Crisis
Traveling through West Asia amid the ongoing conflict requires smart planning and vigilance. Here are key tips to stay safe and stress-free:
Check for Live Updates: Keep tabs on travel advisories from your government and airlines. Stay ahead of cancellations and route changes to avoid surprises.Build Flexibility Into Your Plans: With flights constantly being rerouted or delayed, ensure your itinerary can adapt. Expect longer layovers and unexpected stops.Invest in Robust Travel Insurance: Make sure your policy covers disruptions due to conflict—you don’t want to be caught without a safety net.Stay Away from Hot Zones: Follow local advisories and avoid areas with active conflict. Always opt for safer routes and destinations.Stay Informed, Stay Safe: Keep an eye on local news, and always know the nearest safe places like shelters or embassy locations.
The ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict has had profound effects on global travel, affecting not only the countries directly involved in the conflict but also countries around the world, from Japan to New Zealand, Thailand to India, and Australia to the Solomon Islands. The closure of Middle Eastern airspace, flight cancellations, and disrupted travel routes have left thousands of travelers stranded and caused significant losses in the tourism industry.
Japan joins New Zealand, Thailand, India, Australia, Uzbekistan, South Korea, and 24 other countries in West Asia in tackling emergency solutions and navigating airspace blockages from Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman due to the widespread disruption caused by the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict, which has led to airspace closures, flight cancellations, and severe travel delays across the region.
Governments, airlines, and travelers are all working to navigate this challenging situation, with many adjusting their travel plans and itineraries accordingly. For anyone traveling in or through Middle Eastern airspace, vigilance, patience, and preparation are crucial in this ever-evolving situation.
