Travelers Weigh Risks of Flying Through Middle East Hubs

As tensions rise, some question whether to book flights through Dubai or Doha airports.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:38pm

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A bold, highly geometric composition in shades of blue and gold, capturing the grand scale and romance of international air travel through sweeping, smooth gradients and sleek, streamlined forms, without any literal depiction of people, buildings, or text.As tensions rise in the Middle East, travelers must weigh the convenience and cost-savings of routing through major regional hubs against the potential risks and disruptions.Today in Miami

A travel blogger is grappling with whether to book an award ticket with a layover at a major Middle Eastern airport hub, like Dubai or Doha, amid the ongoing regional conflict. While the flights offer ideal routing and availability, there are concerns about safety, potential travel disruptions, and how family members may react to the itinerary.

Why it matters

The conflict in the Middle East has created uncertainty and unease around transiting through major regional hubs like Dubai and Doha. Travelers must weigh the convenience and cost-savings of these routings against the perceived risks and potential for travel disruptions.

The details

The blogger had been planning a trip to Thailand and was hoping to book a one-stop award ticket on a Gulf carrier, which typically offer the best routing options from Miami. However, the current regional tensions have complicated that decision. On one hand, flights are widely available and award space is open, making it an attractive option. On the other, there are safety concerns, potential lack of accurate information from Gulf states, and the possibility of getting stuck if the situation escalates. The blogger is also mindful that booking such a routing may cause stress for family members.

  • The blogger is planning a trip to Thailand later this month.

The players

Ben Schlappig

A travel blogger who runs the website One Mile at a Time and is grappling with whether to book a flight through a Middle Eastern hub for an upcoming trip to Thailand.

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What they’re saying

“I can't decide whether to book the 'perfect' itinerary, or...”

— Ben Schlappig, Travel Blogger

“The argument for traveling through the Gulf right now is easy — flights are largely wide open, award availability is good, etc. Gulf carriers carry a massive amount of sixth freedom traffic (between other countries), and when those options disappear overnight, availability via other regions is suddenly looking much tighter.”

— Ben Schlappig, Travel Blogger

“The argument against traveling through the Gulf is also obvious — there's an increased safety risk, plus there's a chance of getting stuck somewhere, if the situation escalates. It's also important to emphasize that Gulf states aren't necessarily the best narrators in terms of accurately reporting on the situation within their countries, and while I'm not saying that means the risk is huge, the potential lack of accurate information can make some people uneasy.”

— Ben Schlappig, Travel Blogger

What’s next

The blogger will need to decide whether to book the convenient Gulf carrier routing or look for alternative options, weighing the pros and cons of each approach.

The takeaway

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has created a dilemma for travelers trying to book flights, as the convenience and cost-savings of routing through major hubs like Dubai and Doha must be balanced against safety concerns and the potential for travel disruptions. Travelers must carefully consider their own risk tolerance and the potential impact on their loved ones when making these decisions.