Last updated 28.03.2026
Your Surf Trip is Still On!
Safe Routes and Tips During the Middle East Conflict
With tensions in parts of the Middle East affecting airspace and flight prices, it’s natural to feel a bit uncertain about your travel plans. But there’s no need to panic. The good news? Your surf trip to Kima Surf Camps in Bali or Sri Lanka is still going ahead. Your adventure is safe, possible, and ready to be enjoyed!
We’ve got you covered — this guide will help you navigate flights, choose the safest routes, and plan with confidence. Get ready for the ultimate Eat, Sleep, and Surf holiday.
What’s happening in the Middle East?
We’ll spare you the details of the conflict itself, but what matters most right now is how it affects travel and airspace. Here’s a quick overview:
Many airlines are avoiding flying over Iran, Iraq, and Syria for safety reasons.
Fuel prices have risen which means that flight prices have increased as well.
Some major stopover points in the Middle East, including Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, are experiencing route adjustments, resulting in longer travel times and changed flight paths.
Below is an overview map showing which airspaces are currently affected by the conflict in the Middle East:
Even with route changes there are safe flight options to get to Kima Surf Camps in Bali and Sri Lanka that will avoid the affected areas entirely.
How is travel being impacted?
Impact
How it affects you
Kima’s advice
Impact : Flight routes
How it affects you : Some flights may be longer and include different stopovers and more than one stopover.
Kima’s advice : Choose flights with routes that stopover in Singapore, Istanbul, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. These are safer and well-connected.
Impact : Flight prices
How it affects you : Costs may be higher due to the increase in fuel and the longer travel routes.
Kima’s advice : Book your flight earlier and also flexible tickets in case flights change. Use flight alerts to track prices.
Impact : Flight availability
How it affects you : Fewer flights through the Middle East hubs.
Kima’s advice : Check flights across multiple different airlines and consider routes through Asia and Europe.
Destination spotlight: Bali vs Sri Lanka
Before we look into safe travel route options, it is important to understand that Bali and Sri Lanka are not affected at all by the conflicts in the Middle East. Both destinations are geographically removed, these islands have no shared borders, no regional overlap and are not involved in any conflict. Tourism continues as per normal in both destinations, airports are open, transport options are available and running, the hospitality world remains open and exciting, and many travellers are coming to visit and enjoy the surfing lifestyle.
The only impact you may notice is your flight route but not the destination itself! Here’s the best way to safely reach our Surf Camps in Bali and Sri Lanka:
Bali:
Bali still remains easily accessible as it has strong connections through South East Asia which completely avoid the Middle East hubs. The best routes are:
1. Via Singapore: This is the most stable option
Singapore is currently the most reliable and unaffected global hub, there is no impact here from the Middle East conflict and it is only a 3 hour flight from Bali!
Airlines operating this route
Singapore Airlines
Scoot
Lufthansa (to Singapore, then connect onward)
KLM or Air France via partner connections
Typical routing
Europe / Australia / North America → Singapore → Bali
2. Via Kuala Lumpur: A strong South East Asian hub
Kuala Lumpur is safe and well-connected with many daily flights to Bali.
Airlines operating this route
Malaysia Airlines
AirAsia / AirAsia X
Batik Air
KLM or Lufthansa via partner connections
Typical routing
Europe / Australia → Kuala Lumpur → Bali
3. Via Bangkok: A flexible alternative
Bangkok is an option for travellers who can not find an ideal connection via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. This route is slightly less direct, but still offers reliable access to Bali. Connections here may be less frequent but are good when other routes are overbooked.
Airlines operating this route
Thai Airways
Thai AirAsia
Typical routing
Europe → Bangkok → Bali
4. Via Istanbul: A quick one stop
This is a great connection for guests coming from Europe, it is a quick and simple one stopover connection.
Airline operating this route:
Turkish Airlines
Typical routing:
Europe → Istanbul → Bali
5. Via East Asia: Longer route but still reliable
These routes are great if other routes are fully booked and overly expensive. This route is longer, however completely safe.
Airline operating this route:
Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong)
EVA Air (via Taipei)
Japan Airlines / ANA (via Tokyo)
Korean Air (via Seoul)
Typical routing:
North America / Europe → East Asia → Bali
Sri Lanka:
Reaching Sri Lanka is often done via the Gulf however with the current airspace restrictions these routes via Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi are not reliable. The safest, most consistent options are via Southeast Asian hubs or Istanbul, which avoid affected airspace entirely.
1. Via Singapore: Most reliable option
Singapore is the most stable hub to reach Colombo as it is unaffected by Middle East restrictions.
Airlines operating this route:
Singapore Airlines
SriLankan Airlines
Partner airlines from Europe, Australia, or North America
Typical routing:
Europe / Australia / North America → Singapore → Colombo
2. Via Kuala Lumpur: Strong hub in South East Asia
This route is efficient, cost-efficient and a great reliable option for when flights to Singapore are full.
Airlines operating this route:
Malaysia Airlines
AirAsia / AirAsia X
Batik Air
Typical routing:
Europe / Australia → Kuala Lumpur → Colombo
3. Via Bangkok: Flexible alternative
Bangkok is a solid backup hub. Slightly less frequent than Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, but still safe and well-established.
Airlines operating this route:
Thai Airways
Thai AirAsia
Typical routing:
Europe / Australia → Bangkok → Colombo
4. Via Istanbul: One stop from Europe
Istanbul provides a single-connection option for European travellers, avoiding Middle East airspace entirely.
Airline operating this route:
Turkish Airlines
Typical routing:
Europe → Istanbul → Colombo
Overview:
Route
Bali – Typical Airlines
Sri Lanka – Typical Airlines
Route : Via Singapore (Most Reliable)
Bali – Typical Airlines : Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Lufthansa, KLM / Air France
Sri Lanka – Typical Airlines : Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Partner Airlines
Route : Via Kuala Lumpur (Strong Hub)
Bali – Typical Airlines : Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia / AirAsia X, Batik Air, Lufthansa / KLM
Sri Lanka – Typical Airlines : Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia / Batik Air
Route : Via Bangkok (Flexible Alternative)
Bali – Typical Airlines : Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia
Sri Lanka – Typical Airlines : Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia
Route : Via Istanbul (One-Stop Europe)
Bali – Typical Airlines : Turkish Airlines
Sri Lanka – Typical Airlines : Turkish Airlines
Route : Via East Asia (Optional Longer Route / Bali only)
Bali – Typical Airlines : Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong), EVA Air (Taiwan), Japan Airlines
Practical tips for your travel
Here are a few tips to travel smart with Kima Surf Camps:
Buy flexible or refundable tickets. Flight routes and schedules may change, so make sure you can adjust your plans if needed.
Use Google Flights, Skyscanner, or airline websites to compare multiple platforms and find the most cost-efficient flight.
Set price alerts to keep an eye on ticket prices and secure the best deal.
Allow extra time for connections. Some hubs may require longer layovers, and extra time gives you a buffer if schedules shift.
Book routes through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, or Istanbul and avoid Middle East centers.
Check airline updates regularly. Stopovers, schedules, and itineraries can change.
Make sure you have travel insurance. It covers delays, cancellations, and gives you peace of mind.
FAQ
What is waiting for you at Kima
Your surf trip with Kima Surf Camps is still going ahead exactly as planned. Bali and Sri Lanka are safe, welcoming, and ready for you. Once you have navigated your flight routes, you are all good to go and the hardest part is over! Once you arrive, everything is set up so you can focus on enjoying your holiday without stress.
You’ll enjoy two daily surf sessions at the best surf spots in Bali and Sri Lanka, daily three course breakfasts to fuel your mornings, daily video analysis sessions and pool sessions. In between, relax in the pool, recover with ice baths and massages, stretch with daily yoga, and join fun social activities with other guests. Your adventure is safe and ready to be enjoyed
* Please note that flight routes, airline schedules, and travel advice may change at short notice. We recommend checking directly with your airline and official government travel advisory websites before booking and departure. Kima Surf Camps cannot take responsibility for last-minute changes, delays, or cancellations.
