A sharp escalation in military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran has not only stoked fears of a broader conflict but also rattled global travel networks, with major airlines cancelling flights and thousands of passengers stranded. Analysts warn that the cascading effects of the conflict could extend far beyond geopolitics.
Operation Epic Fury, saw coordinated strikes on Iranian targets that triggered retaliatory missile attacks and widespread airspace closures across the Middle East. In response, key aviation hubs including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi suspended operations, prompting airlines to cancel or reroute flights that typically cross West Asian air corridors.
In India, the strikes disrupted air travel, with over 170 flights cancelled and up to 444 overseas flights affected. Airports were on alert, and passengers faced delays and uncertainty. Airlines like Air India and IndiGo suspended Gulf services, offering waivers and refunds. The disruption highlights how Middle East airspace closures ripple through global travel and logistics.
Beyond travel chaos, the strikes have reignited discussions on international security, with online platforms like X seeing the hashtag “World War 3” trend as users grapple with the implications of sustained military escalation.
“World War 3” began trending on X as users shared images and videos from Gulf countries following Iran’s retaliatory strikes. Some attacks reportedly targeted areas near Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s offices, with smoke rising over Tehran, though it was unclear if the 86-year-old leader was present at the time.
This is what people are saying on social media as tensions escalate in West Asia:
A mix of fear, frustration, and satire is dominating conversations. “And then suddenly you realise you aren’t reading about history anymore when the topic is World War,” wrote a user on X, capturing the anxiety spreading online.
Some posts mix prayer with concern, like one user who wrote, “O Allah, safeguard Saudi Arabia and every Muslim land. Grant protection to all Muslims and to every innocent soul. Bless them with peace, security, and stability, and keep their nations safe from harm🤲 #WorldWar3.”
Satire also made its mark, with a user commenting, “Now, it's not just the America- Israel and Iran war, it's the world war. Welcome to the #WorldWar3 and thank you Mr. Donald Trump.”
Other users shared immediate ground-level concerns: “This is Jordan. Everything looks terrible right now.” Another highlighted the human cost, saying, “Iran’s missile strikes that endangered civilians in Kuwait and Dubai were a reckless and cowardly escalation that violated international norms and endangered innocent lives.”
Political frustration was evident too, as one user noted, “High time people of USA remove trump from the highest position. No peace after his return.”
