Major international airports in the Middle East have been closed this week due to the war with Iran, leaving hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded. So, what happens after a major airspace closure?

How do pilots know where they should fly? And how long will it take to get things back to normal?

You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science editor and presenter Jonathan Webb on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more.

Get in touch with us: labnotes@abc.net.au

Featuring:

Amy Briggs, science reporter

Extra information:

Air travel may be disrupted by the Iran war for months. This is why

This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Gadigal, Wurundjeri and Menang Noongar people.

Lab Notes: Why air traffic won’t return to normal for months