US and Israeli Strikes on Iran Trigger Cancellation of 1,800 Flights

Airlines have cancelled hundreds of flights to and from the Middle East, with dozens of additional flights forced to turn back or be diverted mid-flight. This action was taken following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, with airspace closures affecting most of the region.

CNBC reports that numerous services have been suspended at least until the end of next weekend, with travel disruptions extending to Brazil and Australia. Airlines have also cancelled flights that normally transit through the region as a stopover route.

Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium recorded more than 1,800 flights to and from Middle Eastern countries cancelled on Saturday, with approximately 1,400 additional flights cancelled for Sunday schedules.

“We apologise to affected customers for this inconvenience and are assisting them with rebooking, refunds, or alternative travel arrangements,” Emirates stated in a statement. “The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority,” the statement continued.

Flightradar24 reported that airspace has been closed over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. Air India suspended all flights to the Middle East on Saturday. The airline also cancelled flights between India and Europe as well as the United States scheduled for Sunday. The impact of the airspace closure extended to international transit routes.

Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, cancelled all departures from and to the airport until Sunday evening. The Lufthansa Group suspended flights to Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Teheran until 7 March. Several routes have been diverted to avoid affected airspace.

Airlines also requested cabin crew based in Doha to remain in hotels for security reasons. United Airlines cancelled flights to Tel Aviv until 6 March and to Dubai until 4 March. Delta Air Lines cancelled services to Tel Aviv at least until Sunday.

Airlines frequently adjust or cancel flights transiting the Middle East due to security considerations. Airspace closures force airlines to take longer routes to certain destinations, increasing fuel consumption and raising operational costs.