Airspace closed, airlines halt flights as US, Israel attack, Iran responds | Aviation News
Closure of Airspace in Response to Escalating Middle East Conflict
A growing wave of violence in the Middle East, triggered by recent strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, has resulted in the closure of airspace in at least eight countries. Nations affected include Iran, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Syria has also announced a temporary closure of part of its southern airspace along the Israeli border for 12 hours.
The closures began on Saturday following coordinated attacks by U.S. and Israeli forces in Iran. These strikes, which President Donald Trump claimed would significantly damage Iran’s missile capabilities and navy, prompted immediate retaliatory actions from Tehran. Iranian officials responded by launching attacks on Israel and multiple Gulf nations hosting U.S. military assets, including Qatar and Kuwait.
“All American and Israeli assets and interests in the Middle East have become a legitimate target,” a senior Iranian official stated, emphasizing that all options were on the table in light of what they termed aggression.
As a result of these developments, airlines globally have begun canceling or rerouting flights that typically traverse the Middle East. This region is a key corridor for flights connecting Europe and Asia, especially now that many routes over Russian and Ukrainian airspace are closed due to ongoing conflict in that area.
Russia’s Ministry of Transport confirmed that its airlines have halted flights to both Iran and Israel. Air India has also announced a temporary suspension of flights to the Middle East.
Major airlines such as Lufthansa, Air France, Iberia, Turkish Airlines, and British Airways are among those that have ceased operations to the region, reflecting the widespread disruption of air travel.
Ali Hashem, reporting from Doha, remarked that the coordinated attacks on Iran and its subsequent retaliation have generated two separate yet interconnected conflicts. He noted that this escalation could lead to unprecedented levels of complexity and instability in the region.
As the situation evolves, ongoing assessments of the implications for air travel and regional security are anticipated.
