Middle East Airspace Avoided After U.S. Strikes on Iran, Airlines Reroute Flights

Airlines are continuing to reroute flights to avoid key parts of the Middle East after the U.S. carried out airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. According to FlightRadar24, commercial air traffic is steering clear of Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Israel, instead flying north via the Caspian Sea or south through Egypt and Saudi Arabia—despite longer flight times, higher fuel costs, and increased crew hours.

The U.S. strikes have intensified concerns about aviation safety in the region, already impacted by escalating missile exchanges. Since Israel launched attacks on Iran on June 13, many airlines have suspended services to affected destinations, with only a few evacuation flights operating from neighboring countries.

Israel’s main airlines, El Al and Arkia, announced the suspension of rescue flights returning citizens home. El Al also extended the cancellation of scheduled flights until at least June 27. The Israeli Airports Authority confirmed the country’s airspace remains closed, though land borders with Egypt and Jordan are still open.

In response to rising tensions, Japan’s foreign ministry has evacuated 21 people, including 16 Japanese nationals, via a land route into Azerbaijan—its second such evacuation since Thursday. The ministry confirmed plans for additional evacuations if necessary.

New Zealand’s government said it is deploying a C-130J Hercules military aircraft to the Middle East on standby for evacuation operations. The plane, along with government personnel, will depart Auckland on Monday, though it is expected to take several days to reach the region. Officials are also in contact with commercial carriers to explore additional options for evacuating New Zealand citizens.

As geopolitical tensions rise, global air travel in the Middle East faces significant disruption, with safety concerns forcing airlines to take costly detours and suspend operations.