Global commercial airlines, including British Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Air India, have canceled or rerouted flights across the Persian Gulf following US military strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran. The move has caused a growing disruption in aviation traffic throughout the region.
British Airways cancelled multiple flights to Dubai and diverted others mid-route, citing operational limitations and airspace restrictions. One flight en route from London Heathrow to Dubai was diverted to Zurich after entering Saudi airspace. Another was turned back to Heathrow after reaching Egypt. The airline also suspended flights to Doha and Bahrain, with service to some Gulf destinations paused until the end of June.
A British Airways spokesperson said, “We have adjusted our flight schedule as a result of recent events to ensure the safety of our customers and crew.”
Air France, too, has cancelled flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh until Tuesday due to rising tensions in the Middle East. The airline announced this decision as part of precautions for passenger safety.
A company spokesperson said, “Air France has suspended flights to Tel Aviv until July 14.”
The carrier has also stopped flights to and from Beirut until June 25. These changes affect connections across the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Finnair announced that it has cancelled all flights to and from Qatar’s capital, Doha, until June 30. The carrier stated that the decision came due to the security situation in the region.
Singapore Airlines cancelled two flights between Singapore and Dubai on Sunday and noted that further changes may follow as the situation continues to evolve.
Other carriers are choosing longer routes to avoid the Persian Gulf. Japan Airlines has added approximately 20 minutes to its Tokyo–Doha flights by avoiding the Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Air India announced it is avoiding Iranian, Iraqi, and Israeli airspace. It will gradually expand, rerouting over parts of the Gulf region. The airline confirmed that flight times to the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait will be longer, with some European and North American routes also affected.
Air India Express, which operates a large share of flights to the Middle East, has cancelled several services. While the airline has not officially commented, sources cited both the security situation and lower passenger bookings as reasons.
Bookings for Air India have dropped by up to 20% on some routes, and fares are down by 8-15%. The impact is also linked to public concern after a deadly crash involving an Air India aircraft in Ahmedabad on June 12.
Other major carriers have also taken action. Air France KLM cancelled flights to Dubai and Riyadh for Sunday and Monday. American Airlines and United Airlines previously suspended flights to Qatar and Dubai, respectively.
FlightRadar24 tracking data showed large sections of airspace over Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Israel remained empty as airlines sought alternate flight paths.
Global airline security organizations, including Safe Airspace, have warned of increased risks due to the US strikes and possible retaliation by Iran. The organization noted that missile and drone activity in the region poses a threat to commercial operations, especially those involving American carriers.
Fuel costs are another concern. Airlines are preparing for potential increases in jet fuel prices due to the geopolitical instability.
Israel, meanwhile, is running emergency flights to help citizens stranded abroad. The Israeli Airports Authority reported 24 special flights are scheduled per day, each with a 50-passenger limit. Airline El Al said it received 25,000 departure requests in a single day.
The overall situation remains dynamic, and airlines are continuing to monitor developments and update flight schedules accordingly.
British Airways cancelled multiple flights to Dubai and diverted others mid-route, citing operational limitations and airspace restrictions. One flight en route from London Heathrow to Dubai was diverted to Zurich after entering Saudi airspace. Another was turned back to Heathrow after reaching Egypt. The airline also suspended flights to Doha and Bahrain, with service to some Gulf destinations paused until the end of June.
A British Airways spokesperson said, “We have adjusted our flight schedule as a result of recent events to ensure the safety of our customers and crew.”
Air France, too, has cancelled flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh until Tuesday due to rising tensions in the Middle East. The airline announced this decision as part of precautions for passenger safety.
A company spokesperson said, “Air France has suspended flights to Tel Aviv until July 14.”
The carrier has also stopped flights to and from Beirut until June 25. These changes affect connections across the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Finnair announced that it has cancelled all flights to and from Qatar’s capital, Doha, until June 30. The carrier stated that the decision came due to the security situation in the region.
Singapore Airlines cancelled two flights between Singapore and Dubai on Sunday and noted that further changes may follow as the situation continues to evolve.
Other carriers are choosing longer routes to avoid the Persian Gulf. Japan Airlines has added approximately 20 minutes to its Tokyo–Doha flights by avoiding the Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Air India announced it is avoiding Iranian, Iraqi, and Israeli airspace. It will gradually expand, rerouting over parts of the Gulf region. The airline confirmed that flight times to the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait will be longer, with some European and North American routes also affected.
Air India Express, which operates a large share of flights to the Middle East, has cancelled several services. While the airline has not officially commented, sources cited both the security situation and lower passenger bookings as reasons.
Bookings for Air India have dropped by up to 20% on some routes, and fares are down by 8-15%. The impact is also linked to public concern after a deadly crash involving an Air India aircraft in Ahmedabad on June 12.
Other major carriers have also taken action. Air France KLM cancelled flights to Dubai and Riyadh for Sunday and Monday. American Airlines and United Airlines previously suspended flights to Qatar and Dubai, respectively.
FlightRadar24 tracking data showed large sections of airspace over Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Israel remained empty as airlines sought alternate flight paths.
Global airline security organizations, including Safe Airspace, have warned of increased risks due to the US strikes and possible retaliation by Iran. The organization noted that missile and drone activity in the region poses a threat to commercial operations, especially those involving American carriers.
Fuel costs are another concern. Airlines are preparing for potential increases in jet fuel prices due to the geopolitical instability.
Israel, meanwhile, is running emergency flights to help citizens stranded abroad. The Israeli Airports Authority reported 24 special flights are scheduled per day, each with a 50-passenger limit. Airline El Al said it received 25,000 departure requests in a single day.
The overall situation remains dynamic, and airlines are continuing to monitor developments and update flight schedules accordingly.
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