Summary
A growing number of international airlines have cancelled, suspended, or rerouted flights to and over the Middle East following coordinated US and Israeli military strikes on Iran, which triggered widespread airspace closures across the region. Major carriers including Air France-KLM, British Airways, Lufthansa, Wizz Air, Japan Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Norwegian Air have halted services to multiple destinations such as Tel Aviv, Beirut, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman, Doha, and others. Airspaces over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, Lebanon, Bahrain, and Jordan have been closed or restricted, forcing carriers to adjust operations to protect passenger and crew safety. The disruptions have left travellers in limbo, with many flights cancelled without adequate notice and rebooking options severely limited.
Key Points
- The widespread cancellations strand thousands of passengers, disrupting travel plans for families, business delegates, and holidaymakers.
- The aviation industry faces significant operational and financial pressure as key international corridors remain closed indefinitely.
- The closures signal the severity of the conflict and its potential to escalate further, affecting global connectivity.
- Nigerian travellers and those connecting through Middle Eastern hubs are particularly affected, with limited alternative routing options.
- The situation highlights the fragility of global aviation infrastructure in the face of geopolitical crises.
As Middle Eastern airspace remains restricted, international carriers and passengers brace for prolonged disruption, with no clear timeline for return of operations.
Sources: Airline Statements, Aviation Authorities, Premium times
