Malaysians advised against travel to the Middle East as aviation disruptions and security risks escalate, with airlines rerouting flights and oil prices under pressure.
PETALING JAYA: Escalating military strikes by the United States (US) and Israel against Iran have plunged Middle Eastern airspace into chaos.
Missile strikes between US-Israeli foces and Iran have grounded thousands of flights, damaged key airports and sent shockwaves through the aviation sector, with immediate consequences impacting Malaysian travellers and airlines.
Among those affected are Qatar Airways, Saudia and several Abu Dhabi-based airlines, which halted multiple flights.
Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel, sustained minor damage in a retaliatory Iranian strike, injuring four staff members.
In Kuwait, a drone strike hit Kuwait International Airport, causing minor injuries and limited damage to its Terminal 1.
Bahrain International Airport also reported material damage from a drone strike, but with no fatalities.
At Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, one individual was killed and seven others injured in a related incident.
Beyond the immediate safety concerns, analysts warn of significant financial fallout for the aviation industry, compounded by rising crude oil prices amid heightened geopolitical risks.
Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology economist (aviation and aerospace) Assoc Prof Mohd Harridon Mohamed Suffian told Bernama that airlines rerouting aircraft to avoid conflict zones would incur higher operational costs, particularly when longer flight paths are required.
He said congestion along alternative corridors could disrupt schedules and trigger cascading delays across global networks.
“Airlines should be proactive and optimise the utilisation of their resources and assets to mitigate the situation, and this could be achieved through the usage of astute mathematical models to offset burgeoning costs.”
Mohd Harridon said the tourism sector would be especially vulnerable as Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai and Qatar rely heavily on transit passengers after investing substantially in their positions as global connecting gateways.
For Malaysia, the impact is already visible, reports Harith Kamal.
The Foreign Ministry has urged Malaysians to immediately postpone all non-essential travel to the Middle East, stressing that the safety and welfare of citizens abroad remain its top priority.
“Given the highly uncertain situation, including sudden flight disruptions and airspace closures, we strongly advise all Malaysian travellers to liaise directly with their airlines for the latest schedules and route adjustments.”
The ministry said Malaysian diplomatic missions are assisting citizens in Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Syria, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, and has confirmed that all individuals who have contacted them are safe.
It urged travellers to anticipate sudden schedule changes, possible airport closures and travel restrictions, exercise heightened vigilance, avoid military zones and public gatherings as well as comply strictly with instructions issued by local authorities.
It also encouraged them to register via the e-Konsular portal to facilitate communication and consular assistance.
Those unable to reach the nearest mission may contact the ministry’s operations room in Putrajaya.
The aviation turmoil comes amid reports that oil and gas majors have suspended shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns that prolonged instability could drive up fuel prices, transportation costs and inflationary pressures.
Flights involving Malaysian travellers, including those performing the umrah during Ramadan, have already been delayed or cancelled.
According to flight tracking data, four Malaysia Airlines services between Kuala Lumpur and Middle Eastern destinations have been grounded.
Malaysia Airports has advised passengers to check flight statuses directly with their airlines before travelling to the airport.
The Sun Malaysia
