Airlines Suspend Middle East Flights Amid US-Israel Strikes on Iran
Global airlines suspended flights across the Middle East after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, triggering renewed military confrontation. Airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, and Bahrain was largely emptied, with airlines such as Lufthansa, British Airways, Wizz Air, Air France, and regional carriers including Air India temporarily halting services. The European Union’s aviation regulator EASA advised airlines to avoid the affected airspace amid escalating hostilities.
The airspace closures disrupted flights between Europe and Asia, affecting key transit hubs in the Gulf region. Emirates, flydubai, Qatar Airways, Kuwait Airways, and Turkish Airlines suspended or rerouted flights, while Oman Air halted services to Baghdad. The closures came as Israel struck targets in Iran and the US conducted coordinated military operations, prompting Iranian missile retaliations, raising safety concerns for commercial aviation.
Airline executives and aviation security experts warned that disruptions are likely to persist, with precautionary airport shutdowns possible if the threat expands. Longer flight routes, fuel cost increases, and operational challenges are expected, while airlines monitor evolving geopolitical tensions. Passengers are advised to check schedules as airspace restrictions remain fluid and flights may continue to be suspended in the Middle East.
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