Series of Flight Cancellations Hit Middle East Routes
The recent military operations by the United States and Israel in Iran have significantly impacted air travel across the Middle East. Following these strikes, multiple airlines suspended flights to various regional destinations due to widespread airspace closures.
Flight Cancellations Across Middle East Routes
Air France announced the cancellation of its flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut on Saturday. This decision was attributed to security concerns. The airline expanded its cancellations to include flights to Dubai and Riyadh as well, with further cancellations to Tel Aviv carried out on Sunday.
Major Airlines Affected
- Lufthansa: The German airline canceled flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Erbil, and Tehran until March 7. It also suspended flights to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- Swiss Air: A subsidiary of Lufthansa, this airline halted flights to Tel Aviv until March 7 and also suspended Zurich to Dubai flights.
- British Airways: The UK-based airline suspended flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until March 3.
- Norwegian: Flights to and from Dubai are suspended until March 4.
- Turkish Airlines: This airline canceled flights to ten Middle Eastern countries, including Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Jordan until March 2.
- Air India: Announced suspension of all flights to its Middle Eastern destinations.
- Russian Airlines: Flights to Iran and Israel are suspended until further notice.
Airspace Closures Across the Region
Numerous countries have shut down airspace, impacting travel significantly. Closed airspaces include:
- Qatar
- Iraq
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
- United Arab Emirates: Partial and temporary closures reported.
The Israeli Transport Ministry issued a directive closing the country’s airspace to civilian flights. They advised travelers to avoid airports until further notice, as airspace was also closed in Iran and Iraq. Operations were temporarily halted in Syria as well.
The recent escalation of military actions led to alarming events, including missile alerts in Jerusalem and explosions heard following airstrike exercises. President Donald Trump announced significant military operations against Iran, while Israeli military forces reported detecting missile launches toward its territory.
This escalation has led to an unstable travel environment in the Middle East, with airlines and travelers alike navigating through this complex situation.
