Ben Gurion Closed Down

Escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, marked by Israel's "Operation Rising Lion" strikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets on June 13, 2025, have triggered widespread flight disruptions across the Middle East. Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan closed their airspaces, forcing airlines to cancel, reroute, or return flights to ensure passenger and crew safety. The closures followed Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear facilities and military leadership, prompting Iran's retaliatory drone and missile attacks.

Major carriers like Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia suspended flights to Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and other destinations, including Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Air India diverted 16 long-haul flights, with some, like London-New Delhi, rerouted to Mumbai or returned to their origin. Delta and United canceled Tel Aviv services, while Lufthansa halted flights to Tehran and Tel Aviv until July 31 and June 20, respectively. Qatar Airways and Aeroflot also suspended routes to Iran and Iraq, rerouting flights through Pakistani airspace where possible.

Airports like Dubai International, Abu Dhabi's Zayed, and Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion reported numerous cancellations and delays. Flydubai flights, such as one from Belgrade, were rerouted to Yerevan, Armenia, while Emirates diverted a Manchester flight to Istanbul. Israel's Ben Gurion Airport remains closed indefinitely, and Tehran's Mehrabad Airport is shut until at least June 14. Passengers are urged to check airline websites for updates, as carriers prioritize safety amid the volatile situation.

The disruptions highlight the broader impact of the Israel-Iran conflict on global aviation, with airlines navigating longer, costlier routes to avoid conflict zones. As the region braces for potential further escalation, travelers face ongoing uncertainty, with advisories emphasizing vigilance and flexibility.