Air travel across the Middle East has been disrupted, with more than 500 flights canceled or delayed by major carriers due to new airspace restrictions triggered by the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict. Airlines including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air, and EgyptAir have faced significant setbacks across key regional airports.
✈️ Major Airports Disrupted
- Dubai International (DXB):
- 374 delays, 80 cancellations
- Carrier Impact: FlyDubai (68 canceled, 131 delayed); Emirates (covering traffic congestion)
- Ben Gurion (TLV), Israel:
- 153 cancellations, 2 delays
- El Al (50), Israir (52); international carriers including United, Delta, Etihad, and Air France pulled flights citing safety concerns
- Imam Khomeini International (IKA), Tehran:
- 26 cancellations, 4 delays
- Affected airlines: Mahan Air, FlyDubai
- Queen Alia Intl (AMM), Amman:
- 40 cancellations, 36 delays
- Mainly Royal Jordanian, Pegasus, Air Arabia
- Sharjah Intl (SHJ):
- 26 cancellations, 51 delays (mainly Air Arabia)
- Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW):
- 28 cancellations, 175 delays
- Pegasus Airlines faced the most delays
🚨 Why Flights Are Being Disrupted
The escalation between Israel and Iran has led to temporary airspace closures around conflict zones. Airlines are rerouting flights, which has caused:
- Flights being held on ground or put into long waiting patterns
- Congested airspace over the broader region
- Carriers reluctantly suspending routes for safety
🕒 Impact on Travelers and Airlines
- Stranded passengers, extended delays, and travel uncertainties
- Airlines are offering flexible rebooking and refund policies
- Economic stress on regional carriers due to increased operating costs
🔍 Aviation and Safety Notices
- Civil aviation authorities and IATA have urged airlines to avoid conflict zones
- EASA updates safety bulletins for flights over the region
- Governments have advised citizens to postpone non-essential travel
📉 Outlook: Extended Disruptions Expected
With 518 flights already affected in just one day, aviation leaders warn that further disruptions are likely if the conflict escalates. Airlines are closely monitoring security developments and will continue adjusting flight routes to ensure passenger safety.
