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Tengrinews.kz - Airspace over Iran has been closed following a significant missile attack conducted by the country against Israel, citing Business Insider.
The incident has heightened tensions in the Middle East, prompting security measures in the region's airspace. Flights over Iran, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and other neighboring countries have been suspended by authorities, forcing airlines to react promptly and adjust their flight routes.
Some aircraft already en route were compelled to return or change course to avoid restricted areas. According to FlightRadar24 data, at least three flights from Lufthansa bound for India and Dubai were turned back to Europe before crossing Iranian airspace, extending their flight time to eight hours.
A Swiss International Air Lines flight from Zurich to Dubai altered its route and landed in Antalya, Turkey, shortly before it was set to enter Iranian airspace. Additionally, several Emirates flights were also redirected or canceled, as confirmed by the airline. An Emirates representative emphasized that they are closely monitoring the situation and are making every effort to minimize passenger inconvenience.
Other carriers have also had to change their routes, as available air corridors between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia remain limited. For instance, a British Airways flight from London to Dubai and an El Al flight from Greece to Tel Aviv were rerouted to Larnaca, Cyprus. British Airways highlighted that the safety and security of passengers remain their top priority.
Later, some restrictions were lifted, and Jordan and Iraq reopened their airspace, but the number of flights through the region remains minimal. The closure of airspace may lead to significant increases in flight times, similar to what occurred after the closure of Russian airspace in 2022, which forced airlines to add hours to their routes to bypass closed areas.
It is important to note that on the evening of October 1, Iran launched several hundred ballistic and cruise missiles at Israel. According to the Jerusalem Post, there were around 500 missiles. ABC News reported expectations of two salvos, totaling 240-250 missiles, with air raid sirens sounding across the country.
This strike was reportedly a response to the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and a commander of the IRGC in Lebanon, Abbas Nilfroushan.
