Global airlines are rapidly adjusting their flight operations as the security situation in the Middle East worsens following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. A combination of missile strikes, airspace closures, and fears of retaliation has left some of the region’s busiest air travel routes effectively off-limits, forcing widespread cancellations and costly detours.
The recent conflict escalation has impacted commercial air traffic over key aviation corridors stretching from Iran and Iraq to the Mediterranean. Once-busy flight paths have been nearly deserted for over a week, with airlines scrambling to protect passengers and crews.
On Monday, Tehran’s missile attacks on US military bases in Qatar and Iraq added to the uncertainty, triggering a new wave of flight cancellations and operational reviews across the industry.
Major Airlines Suspend Services to Gulf Hubs
International carriers from Europe, North America, and Asia have responded by suspending services to airports in the Gulf region, particularly those near US military installations. Finnair was among the first to extend its cancellations, halting flights to Doha through the end of June.
Singapore Airlines, citing ongoing security concerns, has suspended flights to Dubai at least until Tuesday. European carriers including Air France-KLM, British Airways, Iberia, and Kazakhstan’s Air Astana also canceled flights to Doha and Dubai over the weekend and Monday.
Air France additionally suspended flights to Riyadh and announced that services to Beirut, Lebanon, would be halted through at least midweek. The airline cited concerns over potential regional instability and airspace restrictions.
Though some airlines have yet to confirm their plans for later in the week, many are reviewing routes on a daily basis as the situation evolves.
Middle East Airspace Becomes a Risk Zone
The current escalation follows the US military’s recent airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities, which Washington described as a defensive measure to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities. In response, Iran has vowed to retaliate, heightening fears that Gulf states hosting US forces—such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia—could be drawn into the conflict.
Aviation risk experts warn that airports in these countries could be potential targets, especially if the situation continues to spiral.
As a precaution, many airlines are avoiding routes over Iran, Iraq, and parts of Syria. Flights that would typically transit the region are being rerouted north over the Caspian Sea or south over Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
While these diversions enhance safety, they significantly increase travel times and fuel consumption, driving up costs for airlines already grappling with volatile fuel prices and operational challenges.
Airlines, Travellers Seek Alternative Routes
The reduced availability of Middle Eastern airspace is also disrupting global travel patterns, particularly for flights between Europe, Asia, and Australia.
In Australia, travel providers report an uptick in customers requesting alternative routes that avoid Middle Eastern hubs entirely. “We’re seeing travelers opt for stopovers in Singapore, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, or even direct services from Perth to London,” said Graham Turner, head of Australia’s Flight Centre Travel Group.
Meanwhile, airlines are contending with not only airspace closures but also the growing threat of GPS interference and location spoofing. These incidents can send aircraft off course, posing serious safety concerns.
Flight tracking services have reported a surge in GPS disruptions over the Persian Gulf in recent days. Swiss-based monitoring group SkAI observed over 150 aircraft experiencing spoofing or jamming events within a single 24-hour period, further complicating flight operations.
US, Canadian Airlines Maintain Suspensions
Several US and Canadian airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Air Canada, suspended services to Qatar and Dubai before the recent missile attacks. As of Monday, those routes remained grounded with no timetable for resumption.
In contrast, some regional carriers in Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq have cautiously resumed limited services following earlier widespread cancellations. However, schedules remain fluid and heavily dependent on the security situation.
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Israel Organizes Emergency Flights
In Israel, authorities have stepped up efforts to help stranded travelers. A series of “rescue flights” were organized on Monday to facilitate both departures from and arrivals to the country.
The Israel Airports Authority confirmed that outbound flights resumed with strict passenger limits, prioritizing those seeking to leave due to safety concerns. Israeli airline El Al reported an overwhelming number of requests to exit the country, with over 25,000 applications submitted within 24 hours.
Outlook Remains Uncertain
With regional tensions at their highest point in years and no signs of de-escalation, airlines are bracing for ongoing disruptions. Industry experts warn that flight cancellations, airspace closures, and longer travel times could persist for weeks or months, depending on how the conflict develops.
For now, both passengers and airlines face uncertainty as they navigate one of the most complex and volatile travel environments in recent memory.
