Thailand is accelerating its plan to develop itself into a regional aviation hub as war-related airspace closures in the Middle East disrupt global flight routes, caretaker Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has said.

Tens of thousands of airline passengers are stranded by the Iran war that has spread across the Gulf region, but some wealthy travelers are getting out, by paying large sums for luxury flights to Europe via airports that are safe from Iranian drone and missile attacks.

A jet operated by Singapore Airlines struck the tail of another aircraft while taxiing at Newark Liberty International Airport on March 3, causing a delay of more than six hours but no injuries.

Middle East tourism, worth some US$367 billion annually to the region, is taking a hit from the widening conflict between U.S.-Israel forces and Iran, putting at risk the region’s carefully-constructed ​image as a safe and high-end vacation hotspot after billions in investment in recent years from Abu Dhabi to Dubai.

A tourist described his experience as “very disappointing” after being stranded for three days at Singapore Changi Airport when budget carrier Scoot canceled flights to the Middle East amid widespread air travel disruptions.

The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism has instructed travel companies to suspend tours to conflict-affected and high-risk areas in the Middle East following U.S.-Israel airstrikes and Iran’s retaliation.

Hong Kong actor Benny Chan and Chinese actor Li Mao have been stuck while traveling in Dubai due to the U.S.-Israel war against Iran that disrupted regional air travel.

Gouging tourists is giving Vietnam a bad name despite its sustained promotional efforts, insiders warn.

The price of flights between Asia and ​Europe has soared after the closure of key Middle Eastern hubs due to the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, with airline websites showing tickets ‌on many popular routes booked out for days.

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has issued an urgent order requiring hotels across the emirate not to evict guests stranded by widespread flight cancellations linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East.