Global Flights Disrupted as Israel Strikes Iran; Middle East Airspace Shuts Down

Airlines worldwide scrambled to reroute and cancel flights early Friday after Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian targets, prompting the closure of airspace over Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan.

Data from Flightradar24 showed a mass exodus of commercial aircraft from the affected region as carriers worked urgently to ensure the safety of passengers and crew,

Israel announced that its strikes targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile production sites, and military leaders, initiating what it described as the start of a prolonged campaign to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. In response, Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport was closed indefinitely, with Israeli air defence forces on high alert for possible Iranian retaliation.

Iranian airspace was also shut down until further notice, as reported by state media, and Iraq suspended all air traffic at its airports. Jordan followed suit, closing its airspace several hours after the Israeli operation began.

The closure of these airspaces has forced airlines to divert flights over Central Asia or Saudi Arabia, significantly disrupting global air traffic, especially on popular routes between Europe, Asia, and the Gulf.

Indian carriers have been particularly affected, with around 30 international flights expected to be cancelled on June 13. Air India reported that at least 17 of its flights, including those from New York, London, and Toronto, were either diverted to alternative airports such as Vienna, Sharjah, and Jeddah or returned to their points of origin.

UAE airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai, also suspended or rerouted flights to Tel Aviv, Tehran, Amman, Beirut, and Damascus, with passengers advised to check with their airlines for updates.

Additional Developments

• Israeli embassies worldwide have increased security, with some remaining closed until Monday 7.
• Senior Israeli officials have been moved to secure shelters, and a state of emergency has been declared across Israeli territories.
• Flights originally scheduled to land at Ben Gurion Airport are being diverted to airports in Cyprus and Greece.
• Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport has warned of widespread disruptions and advised passengers to check flight statuses before travelling.

As the crisis unfolds, the global aviation sector is bracing for continued uncertainty and disruption, with passenger safety and operational resilience at the forefront of industry concerns.

Airlines now face not only immediate safety concerns but also operational challenges, including soaring fuel costs and longer flight routes, which are expected to drive up airfares and impact profitability.