Global airlines cancelled or rerouted flights to Tel Aviv, Tehran, and other Middle Eastern destinations on Friday, following widespread airspace closures triggered by Israeli strikes on Iran.
In the aftermath of the strikes—targeting Iranian military and nuclear facilities—airspace was shut over Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Syria. Israel reported that Iran responded by launching drones.
Emirates, the largest airline in the Middle East, cancelled all flights to and from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iran in response to the escalating conflict.
Qatar Airways, one of the region’s leading carriers, also announced the temporary suspension of its services to Iran and Iraq, citing regional instability.
Air France halted its operations to and from Tel Aviv “until further notice” after Israeli airspace was closed. A spokesperson told AFP that the airline was monitoring the situation in real-time, emphasizing that the safety of passengers and crew remains its top priority.
Germany’s Lufthansa Group suspended flights to Tehran until the end of July and extended its Tel Aviv flight cancellations for the same period.
Air India rerouted or recalled 16 international flights between India and destinations in London, Canada, and the U.S. due to the unfolding crisis. Two flights—New Delhi to Vienna and Mumbai to London—were forced to turn back just before entering Iranian airspace, according to aircraft tracker Flight Aware.
In the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi Airport warned of expected flight disruptions throughout Friday, while Dubai Airport also reported delays and cancellations due to the closure of airspace over Iran, Iraq, and Syria.
