Passenger travel through the Gulf is severely restricted due to current conflicts, impacting plans for weeks or months. Dublin-native Brian Sullivan’s family trip from Melbourne to Dublin through Abu Dhabi was canceled, with Etihad offering a refund. He initially planned to show his children Paddy’s Day in Ireland, but the rebooking costs soared from €6,000 to €16,000. Major airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways have limited operations, with Etihad at 15% and Emirates at 60% of pre-war capacity. Alternative routes without crossing the Middle East are now being considered, like flying through Singapore and Frankfurt. Rising fuel costs are expected to increase ticket prices, with airlines like KLM and Qantas already hiking fares. Although some European airlines like Air France and Lufthansa have significant fuel hedging, price increases, particularly for long-haul flights, are anticipated. Middle East tourism, a $367 billion industry, is significantly affected, with an estimated 23-38 million fewer visitors this year. For Irish travelers, the Gulf’s role as a transit hub is diminishing, and alternative holiday destinations like Spain and Portugal might see increased demand. The travel industry is navigating these challenges, managing customer concerns and rising operational costs.