Global Airlines Suspend Middle East Flights Following US-Israel Strikes on Iran
Middle East flights suspended globally after US-Israel strikes on Iran, disrupting air travel and raising safety concerns.
Global airlines suspended flights across the Middle East on Saturday following coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran. Flight maps showed the airspace over Iran largely empty as Israel carried out attacks and the US military targeted key sites, prompting Iranian missile retaliations.
The escalation has further strained hopes for a diplomatic solution to Tehran’s nuclear dispute with the West and marks a major disruption to air travel in a region that serves as a critical corridor for flights between Europe and Asia. With Russian and Ukrainian airspace largely closed due to ongoing conflict, the Middle East has become an essential route for international airlines, making disruptions particularly consequential.
Conflict zones present an increasing operational burden for carriers, raising concerns over potential shoot-downs, accidental strikes, or rerouting. Longer flight paths required to avoid restricted areas also add fuel costs and logistical complexity, forcing airlines to adjust schedules rapidly.
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Several countries, including Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan, closed their airspace following the attacks. Airlines responded swiftly: Lufthansa suspended flights to Dubai and temporarily halted Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Oman routes until March 7. Air France cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv and Beirut, while Iberia suspended flights to Tel Aviv. Wizz Air paused operations to Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman.
Qatar Airways temporarily halted flights, with aircraft circling over Kuwait and Saudi airspace before returning to Doha, according to Flightradar24. KLM brought forward the suspension of its Amsterdam-Tel Aviv service, and Virgin Atlantic temporarily rerouted flights to avoid Iraqi airspace. Russian carriers also suspended flights to Israel and Iran.
Middle Eastern carriers implemented similar measures. Kuwait’s aviation authority halted all flights to Iran, Oman Air suspended flights to Baghdad, and the UAE partially closed its airspace as a precaution, affecting flydubai operations. The rapid suspension of flights underscores the escalating regional instability and the direct impact of military operations on global aviation networks.
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