ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Global airlines cancelled flights to Tel Aviv, Tehran, and other destinations across the Middle East on Friday after multiple countries shut their airspace in response to Israeli strikes on Iran.
The airspace closures by Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Syria came after Israel launched attacks targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites.
Israel claimed the offensive was in retaliation for drone strikes launched by Tehran.
Following the escalation, Emirates, the Middle East’s largest airline, confirmed it had suspended flights to and from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iran.
Qatar Airways, the national carrier and one of the region’s biggest operators, also announced it had temporarily cancelled flights to Iran and Iraq due to the current situation in the region.
In Europe, Air France said it was halting operations to and from Tel Aviv “until further notice” after Israel closed its airspace.
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“Air France is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East in real-time,” a spokesperson told AFP, adding that “the safety of its customers and crews is its absolute priority.”
German carrier Lufthansa said it had suspended its Tehran route through the end of July and had extended its pause on flights to and from Tel Aviv for the same duration.
Meanwhile, Air India rerouted or recalled 16 flights connecting India with London, Canada, and the U.S. due to the emerging situation in Iran”.
Two flights New Delhi-Vienna and Mumbai-London were forced to turn back after approaching Iranian airspace when the Israeli strikes began, according to aircraft tracking site Flight Aware.
In the Gulf, Abu Dhabi Airport warned travelers that flight disruptions are expected through today (Friday) following the attacks.
Dubai Airport also reported delays and cancellations linked to the closure of airspace over Iran, Iraq, and Syria.