Scores of Rwanda-bound travellers are stuck in transit across the Middle East after airports suspended operations and a number of countries closed their airspace amid the ongoing US/Israel conflict with Iran.

ALSO READ: RwandAir suspends Middle East flights amid US-Iran escalation

Airlines have halted flights to parts of the region as the situation unfolds. Among the affected airlines is national carrier RwandAir as well as Africa’s largest airline, Ethiopian Airlines, alongside many other global operators.

Speaking to The New Times, travel agents indicated that at least 73 passengers linked to Rwanda-bound arrivals or departures have been unable to travel due to flight suspensions and airport closures in the Middle East. Of these, 56 passengers who expected to arrive in Rwanda in recent days remain stuck abroad.

Another 17 outbound passengers scheduled to depart from Kigali to destinations in the Middle East have also had their plans disrupted.

Travel agencies warn that the number could rise.

ALSO READ: African Union cautions against wider instability after US-Iran tensions

International media reports indicate that more than 6,000 flights were cancelled on March 2 alone. Emirates recorded the highest number of cancellations at 485, followed by Etihad Airways (190), FlyDubai (181) and Qatar Airways (106).

Over the weekend, RwandAir announced the suspension of flights WB300/WB303 and WB304/WB305 to and from Doha and Dubai "until further notice,” citing the evolving security situation.

Travel agencies seek alternatives

Jean de Dieu Mabubu, a travel consultant at Go Discover Africa, said agencies are working to shield clients from financial losses.

"Nobody loses their tickets. In situations like this, we maintain all reservations,” he said.

"We ensure that whenever flights resume, clients will still be able to use their tickets,” he added.

ALSO READ: Qatar, Saudi condemn Iranian missile strikes in region

For travellers who had planned to transit through Gulf countries, agencies are exploring alternative routes through African cities such as Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Cairo and Accra. However, these options often involve longer layovers and complex adjustments.

Mabubu noted that the disruption underscores how instability in key transit hubs can quickly affect Rwanda-bound passengers, particularly those connecting from Europe, North America and Israel.

Dagreda Kayitare, Head of Operations at Bravo Baffo Ltd, said her firm is coordinating with airlines to rebook clients where possible.

Jean-Bosco Habimana, Managing Director at Atarah Travel Agency, said agencies are awaiting further guidance from Qatar Airways, which is expected to provide an update on March 3.