Why treatment for patients seeking care overseas is on hold
Health & Science
By
Mercy Kahenda
| Mar 09, 2026
Taha Karimi, 58, a member of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan, stands near his home damaged in a drone attack carried out by Iran-backed proxies, in the Kurdish town of Soran, on March 8, 2026. [AFP]
The ongoing Iran, Israel-US war has left patients bound for treatment in Turkey, India, Pakistan and Cyprus stranded as Middle Eastern airspace closures halt flights.
Turkey, India and Cyprus are among the top destinations for Kenyans seeking specialised medical care abroad.
Tens of patients who had already booked flights for various medical procedures are now grounded and waiting for airlines to confirm when it will be safe to travel.
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Some patients in need of healthcare have been forced to reschedule their journeys due to safety concerns.
Susan Karwanja, Head of Client Relationships and Business Development at Fortis India Information Centre in Kenya, told The Standard that most patients travelling to India and Turkey via the Middle East have had their trips delayed.
“Most patients use airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia and Qatar Airways, but several flights have been cancelled,” said Karwanja.
With the escalation of the conflict, airlines operating through Gulf airspace have either been suspended or limited flights.
“If a flight route passes through a country where the airspace is restricted, patients must wait until airlines give the green light,” she said.
Karwanja, who represents the medical tourism company, noted that travel through Dubai has also reduced significantly as airlines assess safety conditions.
“Most patients have been advised to hold their travel plans until airlines confirm safety. The uncertainty surrounding the conflict has also made many people reluctant to travel, as they fear the situation could escalate,” she said.
The official added that major airlines commonly used for travel to India, including Emirates, Etihad and Air Arabia, operate through Gulf countries, making them vulnerable to disruptions when regional airspace is restricted.
“Kenya Airways alone cannot accommodate all travellers. This is why many patients rely on Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad. Most routes to India pass through Gulf countries, and that is what is currently affecting travel,” she explained.
Karwanja noted that demand for alternative routes has surged, especially through airlines that avoid Gulf airspace.
Patients are now being advised to consider airlines such as Indigo or direct flights that do not pass through the Gulf region.
Currently, Kenya Airways and Indigo are among the few airlines offering direct flights to India, but demand has surged, pushing ticket prices higher and making travel unaffordable for many patients.
“We are advising patients, especially if it is not an emergency case to wait. For emergency cases, they might have an option of looking at getting a refund from airline that has issued a hold,” said Karwanja.
The Standard established many of the affected patients were scheduled to receive cardiology, oncology, neurology and orthopaedic treatment.
Many patients are referred abroad by Kenyan specialists due to limited equipment or specialised expertise required for advanced procedures.
Some had been scheduled for routine check-ups after surgeries, while others were travelling to continue ongoing treatment.
Karwanja added that the past one and half week has been particularly challenging since the war started, and has continued to escalate.
“Immediately the war intensified, especially after attacks in Gulf countries, travel was halted. The past one and a half weeks have been very hectic,” explained the official.
Patients who had already travelled abroad are also facing additional costs due to extended stays.