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Middle East Airspace Shuts Down After Israeli Strikes on Iran, Flights Diverted

Air travel across the Middle East faced severe disruption as Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Dubai shut their airspace following Israeli airstrikes on Tehran. Airlines, including Air India and flydubai, were forced to cancel, divert, or reroute flights due to the sudden closures and safety concerns. The situation escalated with U.S. President Donald Trump stating the U.S. and Israel were conducting joint combat operations, while Israel described its strikes as preventive. The closures are expected to lead to longer flight paths and increased operational costs for airlines until regional security improves.

Key Points: Israel-Iran Strikes Close Airspace, Disrupting Global Flights

  • Israel closed airspace after strikes on Iran
  • Airlines cancel and reroute flights over safety
  • Air India diverts Delhi-Tel Aviv flight to Mumbai
  • US and Israel conducting joint ops, says Trump
  • Longer routes and higher fuel costs expected
2 min read

Middle East airspace closures disrupt flights as Israel strikes Iran

Major flight cancellations and diversions hit the Middle East as Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Dubai close airspace following Israeli airstrikes on Tehran.

"The decision was taken in the interest of passenger and crew safety. - Air India statement"

New Delhi, Feb 28

Air travel across parts of the Middle East faced major disruption on Saturday after Israel, Iran, Dubai and Iraq shut their airspace following Israeli airstrikes on Tehran.

Airports in most of the gulf countries were impacted, forcing airlines to cancel, divert or reroute flights due to safety concerns.

Israel closed its airspace to civilian aircraft soon after the strikes, while several airlines in Europe and the Gulf either cancelled services or changed flight paths to avoid the region.

Over the past two years, airlines have repeatedly faced similar disruptions in West Asia as tensions and conflicts have led to sudden airspace closures.

India's national carrier Air India said its Delhi-Tel Aviv flight was diverted back to Mumbai after Israel shut its airspace.

In a statement, the airline said the decision was taken in the interest of passenger and crew safety and added that it would continue to review the security situation before operating further flights.

India's largest airline IndiGo also said it was closely monitoring developments related to Iran and the surrounding region.

In a message posted on social media platform X, the airline said its teams were ready to make operational changes if required and advised passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport.

The situation escalated further after US President Donald Trump said that the United States and Israel were carrying out "major" joint combat operations in Tehran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government described the strikes as "preventive."

The closures also affected several international airlines. Russia's transport ministry said Russian carriers had suspended flights to both Israel and Iran, while alternative routes were being used for services to Gulf countries.

The ministry warned that longer flight times were likely due to diversions, as per multiple media reports.

Dubai-based airline flydubai said some of its flights were disrupted because of the temporary shutdown of Iraqi, Iranian and Israeli airspace.

Airlines across the region are expected to continue avoiding affected airspace, leading to longer routes and higher fuel costs until the security situation improves.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Not again! This keeps happening. Just last year flights were diverted. It's a major hassle for business travel and family visits. The airlines will pass on the higher fuel costs to us passengers, for sure. Hope our MEA is in touch to ensure safety of Indian nationals in the region.
D
David E
While the safety precautions are necessary, it highlights how fragile global connectivity is. One conflict in one region disrupts travel worldwide. The economic ripple effects are significant. India needs to strategically develop alternative air corridors for such contingencies.
A
Anjali F
My heart goes out to all the ground staff and airline crews who have to manage this chaos. Re-routing flights, dealing with anxious passengers... it's a tough job. Kudos to them. Also, well done to IndiGo and AI for proactive communication. Information is key in such situations.
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Siddharth J
The article mentions "preventive" strikes. It's a cycle of action and reaction that never ends, and we common citizens bear the brunt. When will world leaders prioritize dialogue? So many Indian families have loved ones working in the Gulf. This uncertainty is very stressful for them.
K
Kavya N
Practical advice from the airlines to check flight status before leaving home is crucial. Please, everyone, do that. Don't just show up at the airport. Follow the airlines on social media for real-time updates. Stay safe and patient, yaar.

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