Tehran, Iran. Global airlines suspended flights across the Middle East on Saturday after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, prompting regional airspace closures and widespread rerouting.
Airspace closures and flight disruptions
Flight maps showed the airspace over Iran virtually empty as Israel said it struck Iran and the U.S. military initiated a series of strikes against targets in the country. Iran retaliated with a salvo of missiles.
Israel, Iran, Iraq and Jordan closed their airspace following the attacks, and Flightradar24 showed airplanes avoiding these areas.
Broader impact on global routes and airline operations
The escalation dimmed hopes for a diplomatic solution to Tehran’s nuclear dispute with the West and reignited conflict after weeks of U.S. military buildup in the region.
The developments marked the latest upheaval for air travel in a region that serves as a major corridor, particularly as Russian and Ukrainian airspace remains closed to most airlines due to years of war. Conflict zones have increased operational burdens for airlines due to concerns about accidental or deliberate shoot-downs of commercial aircraft, while longer flight times require more fuel and add to costs.
Airline responses
Flightradar24 data showed a number of Qatar Airways flights departing on Saturday morning, circling over Kuwait or Saudi Arabia before returning to Qatari airspace, and circling off Doha.
The Russian Ministry of Transport said Russian air carriers had suspended flights to Iran and Israel.
Germany’s Lufthansa said it was suspending flights to and from Dubai on Saturday and Sunday and temporarily halting routes to Tel Aviv, Beirut and Oman until March 7. Air France cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv and Beirut.
Iberia cancelled flights to Tel Aviv, while Wizz Air said it suspended flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman with immediate effect until the same date.
How might the latest airspace closures affect your upcoming travel plans through the Middle East?