Airlines around the world have suspended or reduced flights across the Middle East amid heightened military conflict between Israel and Iran, compounded by the United States’ entry into the fray through direct strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.
The widespread cancellations come as the region experiences growing instability, following a week-long exchange of missile attacks between Israel and Iran. The U.S. military intensified the crisis by launching overnight strikes from Saturday to Sunday, hitting key Iranian nuclear targets.
British Airways cancelled flights between London Heathrow and both Dubai and Doha on Sunday following the U.S. strikes, but resumed normal operations on Monday.
Air France halted flights to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates until at least Tuesday, and extended the suspension of its Paris–Tel Aviv route until July 14. Its low-cost subsidiary, Transavia, has suspended Paris–Beirut flights until June 30, and Tel Aviv flights until September 7.
The Lufthansa Group, which includes Swiss, Austrian, and ITA Airways, has suspended all flights to the Middle East through June 30. Flights to Amman and Erbil have been paused until July 11, while Tel Aviv and Tehran services will remain suspended until at least July 31. Lufthansa is also avoiding the airspace of all countries involved in the conflict.
Aegean Airlines has suspended Tel Aviv flights until July 12, and its Amman, Beirut, and Erbil routes until June 28.
Pegasus Airlines of Turkey has cancelled flights to Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon (until June 30), and Iran (until July 30). No Turkish Airlines flights to Baghdad, Damascus, or Tehran are available before July 1.
Finnair also announced the suspension of flights to Doha and is avoiding the airspace of Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Israel.
North American Airlines Adjust Operations
United Airlines has warned travelers of possible disruptions on Dubai-bound flights scheduled between June 18 and July 3, offering rebooking flexibility. Similar arrangements apply to Tel Aviv flights from June 13 through August 1.
Air Canada suspended its daily direct flights from Toronto to Dubai beginning June 18, with the possibility of extending the halt. It suggests rerouting passengers through European partner airlines.
American Airlines is offering no-fee booking changes for Doha routes scheduled between June 19 and July 20.
Asian Airlines Respond
Singapore Airlines has cancelled eight Dubai-bound flights between Sunday and Wednesday, two per day.
Regional Instability Disrupts Travel
The air travel disruptions reflect growing unease as the conflict risks drawing more international actors into a broader confrontation. Gulf nations such as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have closed their airspace to ensure civilian safety. Meanwhile, Qatar intercepted a rocket aimed at Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation in the region.