Tensions across the Middle East have escalated sharply following Israeli military strikes on Iranian targets, prompting a widespread suspension of flights by major international and regional airlines. The disruptions have affected travel to Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Lebanon, and surrounding areas, stranding passengers and leading to logistical complications for carriers and governments alike.
Read-Airspace closure: UAE airlines announce flight cancellations
In response to the conflict, US President Donald Trump departed the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada a day earlier than scheduled, citing developments in the Middle East.
According to a June 16 statement from the White House, the president left after a working dinner with other heads of state.
“Much was accomplished, but because of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Ceasefire proposal and diplomatic efforts
French President Emmanuel Macron revealed that Trump had extended an offer for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. The US president had also issued a strong advisory for American citizens to evacuate Tehran, reiterating criticism that Iran had refused to sign a nuclear agreement with Washington.
Despite the uncertainty on the ground, diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway among Western allies and Gulf nations to de-escalate the conflict and restore stability in the region.
Airlines ground flights across the region
As the geopolitical situation deteriorated, airlines began cancelling flights across key Middle Eastern airports. Below is a summary of affected carriers and their revised operations as of June 17, 2025.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways has temporarily cancelled flights to and from Iran, Iraq, and Syria, citing safety concerns and regional instability. Affected airports include:
Iran: Tehran (IKA), Mashhad (MHD), Shiraz (SYZ)
Iraq: Baghdad (BGW), Erbil (EBL), Basra (BSR), Sulaymaniyah (ISU), Najaf (NJF)
Syria: Damascus (DAM)
The airline emphasized its compliance with international aviation safety regulations and assured passengers that safety remains a top priority.
Passengers are advised to monitor updates at qatarairways.com.
Etihad Airways
Etihad has cancelled flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv until June 22 and warned of continued disruption due to airspace restrictions across the region.
Affected passengers are being rebooked or rerouted, and the airline urged travelers to update contact details via the “Manage My Booking” section on etihad.com or contact its customer center at +971 600 555 666.
Air Arabia
Low-cost carrier Air Arabia has suspended all flights to the following destinations until further notice:
Iran and Iraq: Until June 30
Jordan, Lebanon, and Russia: Until June 20
Additionally, passengers transiting through Sharjah or Abu Dhabi with final destinations in affected regions will not be accepted for travel.
Sales offices in Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz, and Lar are temporarily closed, but staff remain reachable via duty mobile lines listed on the airline’s website.
SalamAir
Oman-based SalamAir announced the suspension of flights to Iran, Iraq, and Azerbaijan through June 20.
Affected customers are being contacted directly. The airline emphasized that safety is its top priority and is closely monitoring the situation in cooperation with regional authorities.
Customer support is available at +968 2427 2222 or [email protected].
Aegean Airlines
Greek carrier Aegean Airlines has cancelled all flights to:
Tel Aviv: Until July 12
Beirut, Amman, and Erbil: Until June 28
airBaltic
Latvia’s airBaltic announced the cancellation of all flights to and from Tel Aviv until June 23.
Aeroflot
Russian flag carrier Aeroflot has suspended flights between Moscow and Tehran and rerouted other Middle East services in light of the strikes.
Air Europa
The Spanish airline has cancelled all flights to and from Tel Aviv until July 31.
Air France-KLM Group
Air France: Suspended flights to Tel Aviv indefinitely
KLM: Cancelled Tel Aviv flights until July 1 and warned of possible disruptions to Beirut routes
Transavia: Cancelled flights to Tel Aviv, Amman, and Beirut through June
Air India
India’s national carrier is rerouting or returning some flights due to safety concerns but has not announced full cancellations.
Arkia
Israeli airline Arkia has cancelled all flights through June 21.
Bluebird Airways
Greek carrier Bluebird Airways has suspended all Israel-bound flights between June 13 and June 21, with bookings paused through June 30 pending a reassessment of the security situation.
Delta Air Lines
The US airline reported potential disruptions to Tel Aviv routes from June 12 to August 31.
El Al Israel Airlines
El Al and its subsidiary Sundor have cancelled their entire flight schedules through June 19.
Emirates
The UAE’s flagship airline Emirates has temporarily suspended flights to:
Jordan and Lebanon: Until June 22
Iran and Iraq: Until June 30
flydubai
flydubai suspended flights to multiple destinations:
Jordan and Lebanon: Until June 16
Minsk and St. Petersburg: Until June 17
Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Syria: Until June 20
Israir
Israeli airline Israir has halted all operations until June 30.
ITA Airways
Italy’s ITA Airways extended its Tel Aviv flight suspension until July 31, including cancellations for August 1 departures.
Lufthansa Group
Germany’s Lufthansa has suspended all flights to:
Tel Aviv and Tehran: Until July 31
Amman, Erbil, and Beirut: Until June 20
The airline has also announced it will avoid Iranian, Iraqi, and Israeli airspace for the foreseeable future.
Pegasus Airlines
The Turkish carrier has cancelled flights:
To Iran: Until June 19
To Iraq and Jordan: Until June 16
Flights to Lebanon will only operate during daylight hours for safety reasons.
Ryanair
Ryanair has suspended all Tel Aviv services until September 30.
TAROM
Romania’s TAROM has suspended flights to:
Tel Aviv: Until June 23
Beirut and Amman: Until June 20
Turkish Airlines
Turkey’s transport minister confirmed that Turkish Airlines and other domestic carriers have cancelled all flights to:
Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Jordan: Until June 16
United Airlines
United Airlines warned travelers that flights to and from Tel Aviv may be affected from June 13 to August 1.
Wizz Air
The low-cost carrier Wizz Air has suspended operations to:
Tel Aviv and Amman: Until June 20
Uncertain future for regional air travel
The widespread suspension of flights underscores the far-reaching implications of the latest escalation between Israel and Iran. With no clear resolution in sight, airlines continue to monitor the situation closely, coordinating with aviation and security authorities while updating travelers on an ongoing basis.
Passengers with upcoming travel plans to or through the Middle East are strongly urged to consult their airline for the latest updates, rebooking options, or potential refunds. Safety advisories and diplomatic announcements are expected to shape travel policy over the coming weeks.
(With inputs from Reuters)
