Airlines around the world are making major changes to their flight routes as the United States launches strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, raising new concerns about safety in the skies over the Middle East. The heightened tensions have prompted international carriers to avoid large swaths of airspace, while American airlines face increased risks in the region.
Following a barrage of Iranian missiles early Sunday, Israel temporarily reopened its airspace for six hours to help bring home citizens who have been stranded abroad since the conflict began on June 13. Despite this brief window, most airlines continue to steer clear of the region due to ongoing missile exchanges and uncertainty about future attacks.
A flight risk monitoring group has warned that the US attacks could further increase dangers for American operators. While there have been no direct threats to commercial aviation, Iran has previously signaled it might retaliate against US military interests, either directly or through allied groups in the region.
Flight tracking services show that airlines are avoiding the skies over Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Israel, choosing instead to fly routes that pass north over the Caspian Sea or south via Egypt and Saudi Arabia. These detours result in longer travel times, higher fuel consumption, and increased costs for airlines and passengers alike.
The growing use of missiles and drones in multiple conflict zones is making the region especially hazardous for air travel. Since Israel initiated strikes on Iran earlier this month, many carriers have suspended flights to affected destinations. Some evacuation flights have taken place from neighboring countries, and a few have been able to bring stranded Israelis home.
In the days leading up to the US strikes, American Airlines stopped flights to Qatar, and United Airlines suspended service to Dubai. Experts warn that airspace risks could now extend to other countries in the Gulf, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Travelers and airlines are being urged to exercise extreme caution.
Israel’s main airlines, including El Al, Arkia, Israir, and Air Haifa, announced on Sunday that they had suspended special rescue flights until further notice. El Al also extended the cancellation of its regular flights through Friday, while Israir halted ticket sales for all flights until July 7.
Officials at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv expect to allow rescue flights to land during a six-hour window on Sunday. The country’s airlines plan to operate at least ten flights during this period to help bring home tens of thousands of Israelis and others who are currently stranded abroad.
Meanwhile, nearly 40,000 tourists in Israel are seeking ways to leave, with some heading to Jordan, Egypt, or even taking boats to Cyprus.
Other countries are also taking action to protect their citizens. Japan has evacuated 21 people, including 16 Japanese nationals, from Iran to Azerbaijan, with more evacuations planned if necessary. New Zealand is sending a Hercules military transport plane to the region to stand by for possible evacuations of its citizens and is also working with commercial airlines to explore additional options.
As the situation remains fluid and unpredictable, airlines and governments continue to monitor developments closely, prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew above all else.