Wizz Air jets into headlines as Middle East turmoil rattles routes; ultra-low-cost Hungarian giant expanding pilots amid global fuel/demand shifts.
Since February 28, 2026, coordinated US and Israeli strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader, triggering widespread airspace closures across the Middle East. Key hubs including Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi suspended operations, canceling thousands of flights and stranding hundreds of thousands globally. Airlines rerouted flights, causing delays and increased costs, with uncertainty over the duration of disruptions.
Israel has restricted outbound flights from Ben Gurion Airport to one per hour with 50 passengers, due to Iranian missile threats. Many international airlines have canceled or suspended flights, disrupting Passover travel plans. Israeli carriers are shifting some operations to neighboring airports in Egypt and Jordan.
As of April 2026, United Airlines has increased checked baggage fees to $45 for the first bag and $55 for the second across the US, Mexico, Canada, and Latin America. JetBlue also raised fees, charging up to $49 for the first bag during peak times. These hikes respond to soaring jet fuel prices caused by Middle East tensions disrupting oil supplies, notably through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has begun resuming some international flights following a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan. Flights from Tehran to Istanbul, Muscat, and Medina have restarted, with plans for more routes. Iran is prioritising eastern airports for safety, while other regional countries are gradually reopening airspace amid ongoing tensions.
The US has announced plans to blockade Iran's ports, causing oil prices to jump over 7% to $102 per barrel. This escalation follows failed ceasefire talks and increases fears of a broader energy crisis. Markets remain wary as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz intensify, with ongoing risks of further disruptions.