Airlines halt Middle East flights after Israel struck Iran

Global airlines have suspended or rerouted flights across the Middle East following Israeli airstrikes on Iran that triggered widespread airspace closures on Friday. The strikes, which targeted military and nuclear facilities in Iran, led to airspace shutdowns in Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Syria.

The rapidly escalating situation forced major carriers to cancel operations to affected destinations or divert planes mid-route. Emirates, the largest airline in the Middle East, announced the suspension of flights to and from Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon. Qatar Airways similarly confirmed it had temporarily cancelled flights to Iran and Iraq due to what it described as the “current situation in the region.”

Air France suspended its flights to Tel Aviv “until further notice” following the closure of Israeli airspace. A spokesperson for the airline said it was “closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East in real-time,” emphasizing that the safety of passengers and crew remains its highest priority.

Germany’s Lufthansa Group said it would halt flights to Tehran and extend the suspension of its Tel Aviv service until the end of July. The airline also cited safety concerns as regional tensions continue to rise.

India’s national carrier, Air India, was forced to divert or recall 16 international flights traveling between India and cities in the United States, Canada, and the UK. Two flights, New Delhi to Vienna and Mumbai to London, were redirected after nearing Iranian airspace at the time of the Israeli attack, according to data from Flight Aware.

Airports in the United Arab Emirates were also affected. Abu Dhabi Airport warned of ongoing disruptions, while Dubai’s international airport reported delays and cancellations stemming from the closure of Iranian, Iraqi, and Syrian airspace.

The aviation disruptions reflect growing uncertainty in the region as Israel confirmed it had launched strikes in response to Iran’s drone attack earlier in the week. With tensions mounting, the international air travel sector faces continued instability and heightened security risks.