Iran-Israel Conflict Intensifies as Airlines Avoid Middle Eastern Airspace

JAKARTA – Several airlines have suspended flights to and from the Middle East region in response to heightened security risks stemming from the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. Russia’s Ministry of Transport announced on Saturday, 1 March 2026, that Russian airlines have halted flights to both Iran and Israel following Israel’s announced preliminary strike against Iran on the same day.

The military strike has driven the Middle East into a fresh military confrontation and further dimmed prospects for a diplomatic solution to Iran’s longstanding nuclear dispute with Western nations.

The Russian ministry stated that following the closure of Iranian and Israeli airspace, Russian airlines, the ministry, and aviation regulator Rosaviatsiya have prepared alternative routes to ensure flight safety to Gulf Arab countries.

In parallel, Air France has cancelled all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and Beirut, Lebanon, scheduled for Saturday, 1 March 2026, citing security considerations related to the Middle Eastern situation. The airline indicated it would provide further information regarding its flight plans to these destinations within the coming days.

Dutch carrier KLM has also accelerated the suspension of its Amsterdam–Tel Aviv route by cancelling Saturday’s scheduled flight following the Iranian strikes. A KLM spokesperson confirmed reports from news agency ANP.

The airline had previously announced a suspension of services beginning Sunday, 1 March 2026, but has now advanced this decision. Only one flight to Tel Aviv had been scheduled for Saturday. The KLM spokesperson added that the carrier is continuing to evaluate possible additional cancellations for flights to and from the region.