The war between the United States, Israel, and Iran is sending shockwaves through global business, disrupting air travel, trade routes, and energy markets. Much of the Gulf region's airspace has been closed, crippling major transit hubs such as Dubai and Doha, stranding tens of thousands of travelers and forcing roughly 40,000 flight cancellations in the largest aviation disruption since the coronavirus pandemic. Airlines are rerouting flights, fares between Asia and Europe have surged, and jet fuel prices have sharply increased, pressuring carriers and unsettling investors.

The conflict has also strained global supply chains. Cargo shipments ranging from fresh produce to aircraft parts are delayed as freight capacity tightens and shipping through key waterways becomes more difficult. Aluminum producers in the Gulf have halted or reduced operations, pushing global prices higher, while nickel producers in Indonesia face potential cutbacks due to sulfur supply disruptions. Semiconductor manufacturing could also be affected if supplies of helium, a critical material with no substitute, are interrupted.

Retailers and luxury brands are feeling the impact as garment shipments from South Asia are stranded, threatening the fast-fashion pipeline relied upon by major global brands. Tourism, a cornerstone of Gulf economies, has been hit as shopping centers operate with limited staff and the region's reputation as a stable luxury destination is called into question. Meanwhile, drone strikes and military operations have raised concerns about the resilience of technology infrastructure and defense supply chains as governments seek to replenish weapons stockpiles used in the fighting.