In response to escalating regional tensions, the UK and Egypt have issued advisories for their airlines to avoid Iranian and Lebanese airspace.
The UK’s recommendation for its airlines to avoid Lebanese airspace came shortly after Egypt directed its carriers to steer clear of Iranian airspace for three hours early on Thursday. This decision follows recent violent incidents involving senior members of militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah.
The advisory has prompted many global airlines to adjust their flight schedules and routes. United Airlines has suspended its flights to Tel Aviv, while Delta Air Lines has halted its New York to Tel Aviv route until the end of August.
British airlines are currently not operating flights to Lebanon, according to flight tracking data. Similarly, Singapore Airlines stopped using Iranian airspace last Friday, opting for alternative routes due to safety concerns.
The directive from Egypt’s civil aviation ministry is aimed at minimizing flight safety risks. The ministry cited military exercises in Iranian airspace as a reason for the precautionary measure. Egyptian airlines had already been avoiding Iranian airspace, and the new instruction applies to all carriers operating in the region.
Jordan has also implemented precautions; on Sunday, it advised airlines landing at its airports to carry an additional 45 minutes of fuel. This follows earlier airspace closures in the region due to aerial attacks on Israel.
These measures reflect heightened concerns about regional stability and aim to ensure the safety of international air travel amidst growing conflict fears.
