The US-Israel-Iran conflict that began on February 28 has resulted in considerable uncertainty for air passengers in the region. A number of international airlines such as British Airways have canceled scheduled flights to the UAE until the summer, and local operators such as Emirates and Etihad Airways are operating a reduced schedule to a smaller network of destinations. The fact that airlines are able to fly at all is due to the implementation of safe corridors directing aircraft away from danger, as a quick glance at any flight tracking app right now makes immediately clear. For anxious fliers like myself, understanding how officials decide to close and reopen airspace and approve safe flight corridors can help alleviate some of the stress that comes with crisis-mode travel.…