According to updates from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam on March 7, a number of flights from Vietnam to the Middle East operated by Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Turkish Airlines have been canceled or disrupted.

In recent days, the escalating conflict has prompted several Middle East countries to close or restrict their airspace. The move has affected not only direct flights to the region but also many connecting routes from Vietnam to Europe, causing airfares to rise sharply and leaving passengers with limited options.

Reports show that shortly after the conflict erupted on February 28, ticket prices on some direct flights from Vietnam to European cities such as Frankfurt, Paris, and London climbed to more than VND110 million for a one-way ticket. Many foreign airlines have already sold out economy-class seats, leaving only business-class tickets priced between VND60 - 285 million.

As of midday on March 7, a survey showed that flights to Europe operated by Vietnam Airlines over the next one to two weeks were completely sold out. Similar shortages have been reported across other airlines.

Airline representatives said the period after the Lunar New Year is typically a peak season for Vietnamese travelers heading to Europe for work, business trips, or study. With other airlines facing disruptions due to airspace restrictions, many passengers have shifted to Vietnam Airlines, further increasing pressure on available routes.

Travel companies are also facing challenges. Many customers who booked package tours to Europe departing in late March or early April are now considering postponing or canceling their trips due to concerns about the conflict.

Nguyen Ngoc An, deputy general girector of Vietluxtour, said the company has received numerous requests from customers to change or reschedule flights between Vietnam, the Middle East, and Europe.

While airlines have offered support policies, he said rescheduling flights is currently the most feasible option. Refunds or switching airlines remain difficult due to soaring ticket prices.

“Some European tours cost only VND60–70 million per person, but in recent days airfare alone has reached around VND70 million, which is extremely high,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Phan Tra, director of Tugo Travel, said overseas travel, especially routes to Europe with connections in the Middle East, will likely continue to be affected. Travel companies are working with partners and customers to protect travelers’ interests.

He added that the company is considering shifting its focus to other international destinations such as Japan, the Republic of Korea, and China to provide more options for customers until the situation stabilizes.

Some travelers have already changed their plans. A resident of Ho Chi Minh City said her friend, a Vietnamese expatriate working in the Czech Republic, had planned to return to Europe after visiting family during the Lunar New Year holiday. However, with ticket prices surging and seats unavailable, the trip has been delayed for another one to two weeks.

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