Global airlines suspend flights as Middle East airspace closures expand
Air travel chaos: Israel, Iran, Iraq, and key gulf hubs grounded amid escalating conflict; widespread flight cancellations hit Middle East as safety concerns mount
A wave of flight suspensions and airspace closures has hit the Middle East and surrounding regions as escalating conflicts trigger unprecedented disruptions to international air travel. Airlines across Europe, the Gulf, and Asia have suspended operations to and from several key cities until further notice.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Israel, the UAE’s Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until March 7.
Lufthansa announced cancellations of Saturday and Sunday flights to Dubai, Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Muscat.
KLM canceled flights from Amsterdam to Tel Aviv.
Oman Air suspended all flights to Baghdad, Iraq.
Russia suspended flights to Iran and Israel.
Kuwait halted flights to Iran until further notice.
Iraq canceled all inbound and outbound flights, closing its airspace.
Israel also closed its airspace for all civilian flights, grounding its national and international air traffic.
Officials cited escalating military operations and security concerns as the reason for the widespread cancellations. Authorities are continuously monitoring developments and will provide updates on the resumption of flights once airspace safety can be assured.
The closures come amid heightened regional tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iranian territory, prompting governments and airlines worldwide to take precautionary measures to protect passengers and staff.
