Dubai-to-Incheon Airfares Surge as Middle East War Cuts Flights, Stranding Travelers

Airfares out of Dubai briefly jumped more than ninefold as the Middle East war sharply reduced flights, raising anxiety among South Koreans trying to return home. Even Korean Air, the only South Korean carrier with a direct Middle East route, extended its suspension, and switching to partner airlines in the same alliance has proved difficult as other carriers also cut service.

Industry officials said March 8 that ticket prices for Dubai-to-Incheon flights have surged. Emirates flight EK0322, departing Dubai at 3:30 a.m. local time and arriving at Incheon at 4:50 p.m. Korea time, had a lowest fare of 5.63 million won as of March 6. That was about 910% higher than the average daily lowest fare over the past two weeks. Direct Dubai-to-Incheon tickets were generally in the 6 million won range.

The spike followed the war in the region. On Feb. 28, the United States and Israel carried out airstrikes on Iran, and Iran has been retaliating. With airspace closed over major Middle Eastern countries, demand surged when some airlines resumed operations, sending prices soaring.

Fares later eased as more flights operated during a lull. As of March 8, the lowest fare for an Emirates flight departing Dubai early March 9 and arriving in Incheon in the afternoon was 1.21 million won, still about 59% above the two-week average.

South Korea’s government-chartered flight also helped cool prices. The government secured an Etihad Airways flight departing Abu Dhabi at 5 p.m. Korea time on March 8 as its first charter since the war began. The flight carried 290 people, prioritizing seriously ill passengers. About 3,500 South Koreans are believed to be staying in 14 Middle Eastern countries after flight cancellations, according to reports.

Uncertainty remains over whether air routes could close again. An Emirates flight departing Dubai was abruptly canceled on March 5. Korean Air has suspended its Dubai route through March 15.

Passengers booked on Korean Air’s Dubai service must find other flights on their own. In many cancellations, travelers can be rebooked on another airline in the same alliance through an endorsement, but that has been difficult because SkyTeam’s Middle East carriers have also sharply reduced operations.

The government is discussing additional charter flights with Korean Air, but officials said it will not be easy. Korean Air extended its suspension after receiving a notice from local airport authorities barring operations. A Foreign Ministry official said, “We are in contact with various countries, and even if it is not an existing route, charter flights can be requested as needed.”