Regional Tensions Lead to Widespread Flight Disruptions Across Airlines

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

As tensions continue to rise in parts of the Middle East, several major airlines have suspended, canceled, or diverted flights due to temporary airspace closures across the region. Airlines are urging travelers to stay updated and check the status of their flights before heading to the airport.

Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national carrier, announced that some of its flights may be delayed or canceled as a result of airspace restrictions in nearby countries. Passengers were advised to contact the airline for the latest travel updates.

Emirates has canceled all flights to and from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iran until June 15. Some routes, such as a flight from Manchester to Dubai, were redirected mid-air to Istanbul.

Qatar Airways also temporarily suspended flights to and from Iran, Iraq, and Syria’s capital Damascus through June 14. The airline is monitoring the situation closely.

Etihad Airways canceled its service between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv on June 13 and delayed several other flights, including those from Amman. Officials say daily route decisions are being made based on the latest security assessments.

Flydubai took a more extensive step, suspending flights to multiple cities including Amman, Beirut, Damascus, and several airports in Iran and Israel. The airline also canceled 22 scheduled flights from 10 Russian cities to Dubai between June 13 and 14. A flight from Belgrade was diverted to Yerevan, Armenia.

Several Israeli carriers have taken major precautions:

El Al Airlines has suspended all flights in and out of Israel and moved some of its planes out of the country. Travelers holding tickets through June 28 can cancel their bookings and receive travel vouchers. No new bookings are being accepted until June 22.

Israir canceled all operations until June 15 and removed its aircraft from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport.

Arkia suspended flights through June 14 and evacuated its fleet as a safety measure.

European airlines have also reacted to the developments.
Lufthansa halted flights to Tel Aviv, Tehran, Beirut, Amman, and Erbil until July 31 and is steering clear of Iranian, Iraqi, and Israeli airspace.
Air France, KLM, and SWISS have each suspended flights to Tel Aviv, with SWISS also halting its Beirut routes until the end of July.
Aegean Airlines canceled all Tel Aviv flights on June 13.
LOT Polish Airlines is avoiding Iranian airspace entirely for its Asian routes.

In North America, Air India diverted or returned multiple flights mid-air, including ones from New York, Vancouver, London, and Washington. Over a dozen flights were affected.
Delta Air Lines suspended its JFK–Tel Aviv route through August 31, while United Airlines paused service from Newark to Tel Aviv until June 30.
Ryanair halted flights to Israel until the end of August.

Other carriers taking action include:

Turkish Airlines (flights canceled to Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Jordan until June 16)

Pegasus Airlines (cancellations to Iran until June 19; Iraq and Jordan until June 16; Lebanon flights only operating during daytime)

Wizz Air (suspended Tel Aviv operations for 72 hours starting June 13)

Aeroflot (flights to Tehran canceled; others rerouted via Pakistan)

Syrian Airlines (suspended flights to the UAE and Saudi Arabia on June 13)

TAROM, Romania’s national airline, suspended all commercial flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Amman until June 16.

Passengers are urged to stay in close contact with their airlines and monitor official channels for the latest updates. Most airlines have waived change fees and are offering flexible rebooking options in light of the disruptions.