The recent military escalations in the Middle East are having a massive impact on international air traffic and are putting thousands of workers in a difficult situation. As a result of widespread airspace closures over countries such as Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Israel, numerous airlines have had to cancel or reroute their flights at short notice.
This results in many vacationers and business travelers being stranded at foreign airports and unable to begin their work at home as planned. The Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB) clarifies that in such cases, there is an immediate obligation to inform the employer in order to avoid disciplinary action under labor law.
According to labor law experts, an unforeseen event such as a war-related airspace closure constitutes a classic reason for being unable to work. Provided the employee has taken all reasonable steps to return on time and promptly informs the company of the delay, they cannot be dismissed. This information can be provided via any standard channel, such as telephone, email, or messaging services. However, it is crucial to be able to prove that contact was made. Anyone who fails to provide this notification risks immediate dismissal for unauthorized absence from work, as this constitutes a breach of their duty of loyalty to the company.
Further research into the current situation shows that affected travelers should also examine their claims against the airlines, even though armed conflicts are often considered "extraordinary circumstances." While the standard compensation payment under the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation is generally waived in such cases, care services must still be provided. These include meals, phone calls, and, if necessary, hotel accommodations until the next available return flight. Employees do not have to take additional vacation time for the period of involuntary absence and, in many cases—depending on the collective bargaining agreement—are even entitled to continued payment of wages for a limited period.
The situation in the airspace over the Middle East remains highly dynamic, as safety authorities such as the EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) continuously update their recommendations. Many carriers, such as the Lufthansa Group and Austrian Airlines, are avoiding the affected areas, leading to longer flight times and capacity constraints on alternative routes. For employees, this means that even if their flight is rebooked, they should proactively communicate with their supervisor if further delays become apparent. A mutually agreeable solution, such as temporarily working from home from abroad, can help avoid conflicts in the workplace during such crisis situations.