Air travel across the Middle East faced major disruption after rising tensions between the United States and Iran triggered widespread flight cancellations and route changes. As fears of a possible military confrontation grew, several leading international airlines took precautionary steps, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or scrambling for alternatives.
Major European carriers such as Air France, KLM, and Lufthansa either suspended or sharply reduced operations to sensitive destinations, including Israel and key Gulf countries. Flights to cities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar were among those affected, as airlines cited increasing security risks in the region’s airspace.
According to aviation tracking reports, Air France and KLM cancelled multiple services to Tel Aviv and Gulf hubs late Friday. KLM announced that all overnight flights to Israel and Gulf destinations would remain suspended through the weekend, stating that passenger and crew safety was the top priority. The airline said it was closely monitoring the situation in coordination with government agencies.
Germany’s Lufthansa Group limited its Israel operations to daytime flights only and continued avoiding Iranian and Iraqi airspace altogether. North American airlines also reacted quickly, with United Airlines and Air Canada cancelling their scheduled Tel Aviv flights for several days.
The situation worsened after Iran briefly closed its airspace earlier this week due to fears of possible US military action. The closure forced airlines worldwide to reroute or delay flights, creating a ripple effect across international aviation. Indian airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, confirmed that some long-haul services were impacted by the sudden changes.
Aviation safety experts have warned that the presence of missiles, drones, and military aircraft in the region significantly increases the risk for civilian flights. As a result, many airlines are choosing longer, costlier routes to avoid conflict zones.
Meanwhile, the United States has stepped up its military deployment in the Middle East. Reports indicate that additional naval forces, fighter jets, and thousands of troops have been moved closer to the region. US President Donald Trump stated that a strong naval presence was being positioned near Iran as a preventive measure.
Alongside the military buildup, unrest inside Iran continues to add to regional instability. Conflicting reports have emerged over casualties linked to recent crackdowns, with human rights groups and Iranian officials giving sharply different figures. Independent verification remains difficult due to tight controls on information.
