A wave of flight cancellations and diversions swept across the aviation industry on Friday as Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, hitting over 100 military and nuclear targets, including Tehran’s defense installations, and killing top Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists.
In response, Iran fired over 100 drones at Israel, prompting Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Syria to immediately shut down their airspace, triggering widespread flight disruptions across the Middle East and beyond.
Emirates Airlines, the region’s largest carrier, suspended all operations to and from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iran.
Qatar Airways also halted services to Iran and Iraq, citing escalating regional tensions.
Air France announced a suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv “until further notice”, stating that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority.
Meanwhile, German airline Lufthansa extended its suspension of flights to Tehran and Tel Aviv until the end of July.
Air India had to divert or recall 16 flights, including routes between India, London, Canada, and the U.S., as military conflict erupted.
Flights from New Delhi to Vienna and Mumbai to London were turned back midair to avoid Iranian airspace, according to FlightAware.
In the UAE, Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports issued warnings over delays and cancellations, attributing them to the airspace restrictions affecting Iran, Iraq, and Syria.
