How the Middle East Airspace Closures Could Impact Your Flight

Several airlines are canceling flights to Tel Aviv and diverting routes around Middle Eastern airspace amid the escalating Iran-Israel conflict.

Iran and Israel have closed their airspaces as the two countries exchange deadly missile strikes. Neighboring countries including Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria have shut and reopened their airspace in reaction to aerial threats.

As a result, dozens of airports in the Middle East have stopped or severely reduced commercial flight schedules, the Associated Press reports, leaving thousands of evacuees and travelers stranded. Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv remains closed until further notice and Iran has suspended all flights to and from the Khomeini International Airport near Tehran.

The Iraqi Ministry of Transportation announced the suspension of air traffic at all Iraqi airports and the temporary closure of Iraqi airspace on June 13. “Due to regional events, there are indications there may be missiles, drones, or rockets flying over Iraqi airspace,” the US Embassy in Baghdad said in a June 15 alert. “US citizens seeking to depart Iraq should confirm their plans with their airlines.”

El  Al, the flag carrier of Israel, has canceled its regular flight schedule through Monday, June 23, 2025. Instead, the airline is operating recovery flights for Israeli citizens who are abroad and attempting to return home. In accordance with governmental guidelines, there are currently no outbound passenger flights from Israel to international destinations, the airline said in a June 17 alert.

“We understand the difficulty, uncertainty, and stress experienced by our customers abroad who wish to return to Israel, customers in Israel who wish to travel abroad, as well as those whose travel plans have been disrupted,” El Al said in a recent statement. “Recovery flights will be operated gradually, and we ask for the patience of our customers abroad.”

Flight disruptions in the region are having a ripple effect on global air travel operations. At least 1,800 flights to and from Europe were disrupted on Friday, June 13, including approximately 650 canceled flights, according to Reuters.

“The Middle East is home to major airline hubs that handle thousands of passengers daily,” retired pilot and aviation safety expert John Cox tells Condé Nast Traveler. “If they are delayed or shut down, many of those passengers will seek out other airlines and other flights. This will cause a shortage of available seats.”

International airlines facing disruptions include Air India, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, British Airways, and Lufthansa. Delta and United have both issued a travel advisories for their flights to Tel Aviv through August 31 and August 1, respectively.

Which flight routes are impacted?

Several airlines have diverted flights that typically transit through Iranian or Iraqi airspace. Routes between Europe and the Gulf, and between Asia and North America, were especially affected. Some flights are being rerouted via Central Asia or the Mediterranean, adding hours to journey times.

“The situation is dynamic and changes frequently,” Cox says. “Routes to the Middle East may be affected, particularly in places such as Bahrain, Doha, and the UAE, all of which have major airline hubs.”