Middle East Airspace Shut Airlines Cancel and Reroute Flights After Israeli Strikes on Iran
Following Israels Operation Rising Lion targeting Iran multiple Middle Eastern countries closed airspace leading to thousands of flight cancellations and diversions by major carriers .
On June 13 2025 Israel launched a large scale military campaign dubbed “Operation Rising Lion” striking several Iranian military and nuclear sites including Natanz and missile production facilities The airstrikes were in response to perceived threats from Tehrans expanding weapons capabilities .
In a sweeping reaction to the military escalation Iran Israel Iraq Jordan and Syria immediately closed their airspace to civilian traffic Several other regional countries followed suit as a precautionary measure This marked one of the most significant airspace disruptions in the region in recent years .
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In Israel Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv was shut down “until further notice” and the Transport Ministry advised all citizens to avoid unnecessary travel .
Broad Flight Cancellations and Diversions
Disrupted Air Travel
- The widespread closures led to massive flight disruptions across Asia the Middle East and Europe .
- Over 1800 Europe bound flights were disrupted
- At least 650 flights were outright canceled across major routes
Airlines Impacted Globally
- Major international and regional carriers were affected including .
- El Al Air France KLM Lufthansa Emirates Qatar Airways Delta United Airlines Ryanair Wizz Air Air India Etihad Turkish Airlines Flydubai and more .
Examples of Airline Disruptions
- El Al along with Israir and Arkia suspended all operations and began relocating aircraft to safe locations .
- Lufthansa halted all flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran until at least July 31 .
- Air India canceled or rerouted 16 major flights including routes to London New York Toronto and Vancouver .
- Emirates and Qatar Airways canceled flights to Iraq Iran Lebanon Syria and Jordan .
Major Flight Path Disruption
Due to the closure of airspace over Iran Iraq Syria Jordan and Israel airlines were forced to reroute flights The two major alternatives were .
- South via Egypt and Saudi Arabia
- North via Turkey Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan
- Some notable diversions included
- An Emirates flight from Manchester to Dubai was diverted to Istanbul
- Flydubai rerouted flights through Yerevan Armenia
Underlying Causes and Regional Risks
Motives Behind the Strikes
Israels military actions were aimed at neutralizing Irans nuclear and missile development programs which it deems a threat to its national security and regional stability .
Heightened Risk to Air Travel
Aviation security experts now classify the Middle Eastern skies as high risk for civilian aircraft Industry analysts expect restrictions and safety concerns to persist for weeks depending on the trajectory of the conflict .
Extended Bans and International Reaction
Russias Federal Air Transport Agency has banned its airlines from transiting Middle Eastern airspace until June 26 citing operational risk .
Airlines React and Passenger Advisory
- Airlines have begun issuing passenger alerts advising travelers to .
- Check real time flight status through official airline apps and websites .
- Monitor government advisories before traveling to or over affected regions .
Airline crews have also been relocated or grounded and many carriers are keeping backup aircraft stationed in safer zones .
Wider Implications Prices and Geopolitics
Economic Impact
Oil prices surged by 6 to 7 percent escalating global jet fuel costs .
Stock markets reacted sharply airline shares including Lufthansa easyJet and IAG dropped by 3 to 5 percent amid broader geopolitical uncertainty .
Operational Costs on the Rise
Avoiding restricted airspace has increased flight durations fuel burn and operational costs especially for Europe Asia and Gulf Europe routes .
Whats Next
Fluid Situation
- Some countries like Jordan have partially reopened their skies .
- Others including Iran and Israel remain closed or heavily restricted .
Airline Assessments Ongoing
Flight suspensions are expected to vary by carrier with some cancellations set for a few days and others extending over a month depending on safety evaluations .
Advice to Passengers
- Travelers are strongly advised to .
- Remain updated on security developments .
- Check with airlines and airports regularly for schedule changes .
- Consider flexible travel plans or alternate routes .