Middle East war forces Vietnamese workers into $1,500 detours to get back to Europe

Thousands of Vietnamese workers who traveled home for the Lunar New Year holiday are now facing a severe logistical and financial crisis as they attempt to return to their jobs in Europe. The primary cause of this disruption is the recent wave of Iranian military strikes in the Middle East, which has forced the closure of critical transit hubs in Dubai and Doha. For these workers, these cities serve as the most affordable and reliable gateways to European destinations like Poland and Germany, and their sudden unavailability has left many stranded.

The timing of the conflict has been particularly devastating for those who arrived in Vietnam for the Tet celebrations in February. Many travelers had originally booked budget-friendly tickets through Emirates or Qatar Airways for around VND 21 million (US$800). However, following retaliatory strikes across the Gulf on February 28, major airports in the region shut down, leading to mass cancellations. This has left thousands of laborers in cities like Hue and Da Nang desperately searching for alternative routes while their employers in Europe pressure them to return to work.

Beyond the immediate loss of travel options, the financial stakes for these workers are mounting daily. In countries like Poland, some workers are burdened with monthly tax obligations of nearly VND 20 million (US$760) that accrue regardless of whether they are present to earn a salary. This creates a "ticking clock" scenario where every day spent waiting in Vietnam results in significant debt. Consequently, many are forced to consider circuitous and exhausting travel itineraries through Tokyo, Zurich, or Bangkok that can cost upwards of VND 40 million—nearly double the original price.

The aviation industry itself is struggling to manage a massive surge in operating costs triggered by the regional instability. Global jet fuel prices have skyrocketed to an average of $175 per barrel, an 83% increase in just one month. In response, international carriers including IndiGo, Air France, and Air New Zealand have begun implementing aggressive fuel surcharges and fare hikes. For Vietnamese airlines, operating costs have surged by an estimated 70%, making even domestic connections to international hubs more expensive for the average traveler.

The physical and mental toll on these workers is immense, as seen in the grueling journeys some have been forced to take. One worker from Da Nang described a two-day odyssey that involved three separate airlines and transit through Japan and Switzerland just to reach Warsaw. Such routes require travelers to navigate complex transit visa requirements and the risk of lost luggage between airlines that do not share interline agreements. Despite the exhaustion and the high price tag, many view these expensive detours as a necessary evil to protect their livelihoods abroad.

As of late March 2026, the situation remains highly volatile. While some hubs like Abu Dhabi continue to operate at a reduced capacity, recent drone strikes near fuel tanks at Dubai’s airport have led to further temporary shutdowns. For the many Vietnamese workers still stuck at home, the decision remains a painful calculation: continue waiting for regional stability and risk losing their jobs, or take on significant debt to fund an uncertain and expensive journey back to Europe.