Airlines expand direct Europe-Asia routes

Capacity shifts as geopolitical tensions disrupt major Gulf aviation hubs

- YARUQHULLAH KHAN

EUROPEAN AND SOUTHEAST Asian carriers are expanding direct flight connections between Europe and Asia as geopolitical tensions in West Asia disrupt one of the world’s busiest aviation corridors and constrain the operations of Gulf airlines.

Airlines including Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Air India have increased services or announced new routes in recent weeks as flights through major West Asian hubs face operational disruptions.