Air Travel Disruptions to Continue for Weeks Following Iran Conflict, ADP CEO Warns

Paris, France – Disruptions to air travel, particularly flights to and from the Middle East, are expected to persist for “several days, several weeks,” according to Philippe Pascal, CEO of Aéroports de Paris (ADP). The announcement came Monday amid ongoing concerns over the escalating conflict in Iran and its impact on regional airspace.

Impact on Global Air Traffic

Pascal stated that even if conditions were to improve rapidly, restoring normal traffic flow and necessary air corridors would take a significant amount of time. The disruptions stem from the recent Israeli-American operation in Iran and the resulting regional repercussions.

Several airports are experiencing substantial reductions in traffic. Jordan has seen a 50% decrease, while Medina, Saudi Arabia, has experienced a 25% drop in flights over the past two days. Delhi, India – ADP’s busiest airport in terms of passenger numbers – is seeing an impact of 5 to 7%, Pascal reported.

Disruptions at Major European Hubs

At Paris’s Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), traffic has been impacted by 7% in passenger numbers, and Orly Airport has seen a 1% reduction. Pascal estimated that approximately 300 flights could be canceled between now and the end of the week if the current situation continues. This weekend alone, 130 flights were canceled, affecting 35,000 passengers.

ADP’s Global Reach

Aéroports de Paris manages a total of 24 airports worldwide, either directly or through partnerships, including locations in Turkey, Chile, Jordan, India, and Saudi Arabia. The French state holds a 50.6% stake in the company.

Philippe Pascal was appointed President-Director General of Aéroports de Paris by decree on February 19, 2025, as published in the Official Journal of the French Republic on February 20, 2025. Read the official decree here.

Pascal’s Expertise and Company Focus

Pascal’s financial expertise is considered a strength for ADP, particularly in navigating regulatory negotiations. However, analysis suggests a potential gap in retail acumen could impact the company’s commercial revenue resilience. More on Pascal’s leadership.

He recently appeared in an interview on BFM Business discussing the challenges facing airports. Watch the interview here.