14/06/2025
Share:
14/06/2025
Share:
KUWAIT CITY / DUBAI / LONDON, June 14: Airlines across the world have scrambled to reroute or suspend services through the Middle East after Iran temporarily closed its airspace following a wave of missile strikes reportedly carried out by Israel on June 13. This marks a significant escalation in regional tensions, prompting global aviation authorities and airlines to take swift action.
Air Arabia
UAE-based Air Arabia suspended flights to at least 10 regional destinations, including Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Russia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. The decision came shortly after Iran closed its airspace to all civilian flights in response to Israeli airstrikes on key military targets.
Kuwait Airways
Kuwait Airways continues to operate but has suspended flights to Jordan. Kuwaiti civil aviation authorities have also confirmed coordination with international partners to monitor security developments.
Jazeera Airways
Jazeera Airways, the Kuwaiti low-cost airline, has suspended flights to Iran and is closely tracking developments. While services to high-risk destinations have been avoided, the airline is keeping alternate routing plans ready should further escalation occur.
Airlines globally have responded with widespread cancellations, rerouting, or suspension of flights:
El Al (Israel): Suspended all operations temporarily due to safety and airspace closures
United, American, Delta: Suspended Tel Aviv flights; rerouting European routes to avoid Middle East skies
Lufthansa Group: Halted flights to Tel Aviv, Tehran, Beirut, Amman, and Erbil
Air France–KLM & Transavia: Cancelled Tel Aviv and Beirut flights
EasyJet, Ryanair, Vueling: Suspended all Tel Aviv operations, some affected through August 2025
Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad: Rerouting flights; avoiding Iran and nearby regions (Emirates has canceled flights to/from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iran, Qatar Airways has canceled flights to and from Iran, Iraq and Syria)
Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, China Airlines: Rerouted long-haul routes to bypass Iran
Air India, IndiGo: Delayed or diverted flights; avoiding Iranian airspace
Turkish Airlines: Continuing flights with adjusted air corridors; heavy security protocols in place
As of June 14, the following countries have closed or severely restricted their airspace to civilian traffic:
- Iran
- Israel
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Syria
In addition, international regulators such as EASA, FAA, and ICAO have issued updated travel and airspace advisories, urging carriers to avoid overflying these regions due to elevated military activity and risk of misidentification.
Impact on Passengers and Travel Plans
- Longer travel times expected for Europe–Asia and Gulf–Levant routes.
- Higher ticket prices may result from fuel surcharges and fewer available flights.
- Flight cancellations and rebookings are ongoing—travelers are urged to check airline websites and airports regularly.
Travel Advisory for Middle East Flights
Passengers flying to or from the Middle East—especially through hubs like Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, and Kuwait—should:
- Confirm flight status regularly with airlines.
- Avoid non-essential travel to high-risk destinations, including Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan.
- Allow extra time for potential security delays, route detours, and rebookings.
