Air travel across the Middle East faced major disruption after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran. As tensions escalated, several countries closed their airspace. Consequently, global airlines rushed to suspend or reroute flights to protect passengers and crew.
The sudden escalation triggered widespread cancellations. Moreover, aviation authorities cited safety concerns as the primary reason behind the suspensions. Airlines continue to monitor the situation closely while reassessing flight schedules.
Turkish Airlines Suspends Regional Routes
Turkish Airlines halted flights to ten Middle Eastern countries, including Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Jordan, until March 2. In addition, flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman were suspended for the day. The airline stated that passenger safety remains its highest priority.
Russia Restricts Flights to Iran and Israel
Russia’s air transport authority suspended flights from Russia to both Iran and Israel until further notice. Furthermore, Russian carriers were instructed to use alternative routes to the Gulf region. This decision followed airspace closures in Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and partial restrictions over the United Arab Emirates.
European Carriers Adjust Operations
Norwegian suspended flights to and from Dubai until at least March 4. The airline announced it would review the situation before resuming services. Similarly, Swiss International Air Lines cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv until March 7. The airline also suspended Zurich–Dubai services due to ongoing airspace restrictions.
Lufthansa and its subsidiaries cancelled flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Erbil, and Tehran until March 7. Additionally, services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi were suspended until Sunday. The airline cited the evolving security situation as the reason for the cancellations.
Asian Airlines Respond to Safety Concerns
India’s two largest private airlines, IndiGo and Air India, suspended flights to all Middle East destinations. Both carriers emphasized passenger and crew safety amid the developing crisis.
Meanwhile, Qatar temporarily closed its airspace as a precautionary measure. Qatar Airways confirmed the suspension of all flights to and from Doha following the strikes.
Syria also shut its southern air corridors near the Israeli border for 12 hours beginning Saturday noon. Authorities described the closure as a temporary safety measure.
Aviation Sector Faces Uncertainty
The current disruption highlights how quickly geopolitical tensions can impact global aviation. Therefore, airlines remain cautious as the situation unfolds. Flight schedules may change further depending on security developments.
Passengers are advised to check with airlines for updates before traveling. Although some routes may resume soon, uncertainty continues to affect regional air travel.
For now, safety concerns dominate aviation decisions. As military tensions persist, the global airline industry remains on alert.
