Conflict Between Israel and Iran strangles air traffic in the Middle East

24-06-25

The recent escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran, triggered by exchanges of military attacks and the closure of airspace in the region, has forced numerous international airlines to suspend or divert flights bound for the Middle East, causing significant disruptions to global air connectivity.

Among the first to take action were British Airways, which canceled flights to Dubai and Doha, and Singapore Airlines, which also suspended its routes to Dubai after assessing air safety risks. Similarly, the Air France–KLM group has halted several flights to Dubai, Beirut, and Tel Aviv due to the closure of airspace over Iran, Iraq, and Israel.

At the regional level, major Gulf airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia have also suspended operations to and from various destinations in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, including Iraq, Iran, and Jordan. Some companies have announced temporary adjustments to their routes, while others have offered passengers rebooking or refunds at no additional charge.

In the case of Spain, Iberia and Iberia Express were among the first airlines to suspend their flights to Dubai and Tel Aviv. The decision responds both to the closure of airspace and the growing instability in the region, which represents a direct risk to operational safety. The company has reported that it is in contact with affected passengers, offering them refund or date-change options without penalty.

Additionally, Iberia is constantly monitoring the evolution of the conflict to determine when it might resume services. Airline sources stress that the safety of passengers and crews is their top priority, and that any route reactivation will be subject to the recommendations of international civil aviation bodies and local authorities. This suspension represents a temporary blow to connectivity between Spain and key destinations in the Persian Gulf at the height of the travel season.

In North America, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Air Canada have also joined in the measures, canceling or rerouting flights to the region. From Asia, Air India and IndiGo have announced the suspension of flights and the diversion of routes, completely avoiding the airspace of Iran, Iraq, and Israel.

Despite these cancellations, some airlines such as Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways are maintaining certain operations, though with altered routes and schedules to ensure safety.

The situation has caused delays, longer flight times, and growing uncertainty for thousands of passengers in transit to destinations in the Middle East. Industry experts warn that as long as tensions between Israel and Iran persist, operational adjustments are likely to continue, affecting both business travelers and tourists.

Authorities recommend that passengers check the status of their flights and stay in direct contact with airlines to learn about rebooking or refund options.

The impact on global air connectivity reflects how geopolitical conflicts can drastically alter the landscape of international transport, affecting multiple industries and millions of people within hours.

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