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US airlines on alert as Middle East flights disrupted by Iran strikes
June 22 – Airlines in the United States are facing increased security concerns after American strikes targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting several global carriers to reroute or suspend flights to and from major hubs like Dubai and Doha. This follows a surge in regional tensions marked by missile exchanges between Israel and Iran, which have significantly impacted air traffic across the Middle East.
Although Israeli authorities reopened their airspace temporarily to facilitate the return of citizens stranded abroad since hostilities began on June 13, many airlines continue to avoid flying over Iranian, Iraqi, Syrian, and Israeli airspace. According to Safe Airspace, a platform that monitors aviation safety, recent US actions could escalate threats against American operators in the region, even though there have been no explicit warnings aimed at civil aviation. Iran has previously hinted at possible retaliation targeting US interests via direct strikes or through allied groups like Hezbollah.
Airlines are diverting flights along longer and costlier routes through the Caspian Sea or via Egypt and Saudi Arabia. These adjustments, while ensuring safety, are increasing operational expenses due to added fuel consumption and extended crew hours.
The Middle East has become an essential corridor for flights between Europe and Asia, especially after the closure of Russian and Ukrainian airspace due to ongoing conflict. Any further instability in the region could severely disrupt global aviation flows.
Flight suspensions by carriers such as American Airlines and United Airlines began even before the strikes, and now additional risks are being considered in countries like Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
British Airways and Singapore Airlines canceled some flights on Sunday, with Singapore Airlines cautioning that further delays could occur depending on how the situation evolves. Affected passengers are being allowed to rebook at no extra cost.
Meanwhile, Israeli airlines including El Al, Arkia, Israir, and Air Haifa halted all evacuation and scheduled flights amid ongoing uncertainty. Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv was temporarily reopened for specific rescue operations, while Haifa Airport in the north was also made available for a limited time window. These airlines were expected to carry out at least ten rescue flights on Sunday.
Thousands of travelers remain stranded, both abroad and within Israel. Around 40,000 tourists currently in Israel are seeking to exit the country, many using land routes through Jordan or Egypt or taking ferries to Cyprus.
Japan’s government confirmed it had evacuated 21 people from Iran to Azerbaijan by land and announced it would continue such efforts as needed. Likewise, New Zealand has dispatched a Hercules military aircraft to the region on standby to assist its citizens and is also exploring commercial airline options for further evacuations.