Dozens of flights across Asia and the Middle East were diverted or canceled on Friday after Israel conducted military strikes against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The Israeli military targeted locations in Iran early that morning, escalating tensions and prompting a retaliation from Iran. In response, Iran dispatched 100 drones towards Israel and issued a warning that there would be a “heavy price” for the attacks.
The military actions led to significant changes for thousands of travelers, as airspace over Iran, Israel, and Iraq was closed, causing airlines to reroute flights away from the region. According to Flightradar24, many flights either avoided Tehran, where the nuclear facilities are situated, or were diverted out of Iranian airspace. Additionally, flights from Israel’s primary airport, Ben Gurion in Tel Aviv, were also redirected.
On Thursday evening, flights operated by United and Delta from New York to Tel Aviv turned back over the Atlantic after the strikes commenced. Air India reported that 16 flights were either diverted or returned to their departure airports due to the situation, emphasizing passenger safety. The airline is working to minimize disruptions by providing accommodations, refunds, and alternative arrangements.
Both Emirates and Qatar Airways canceled or diverted flights, with Qatar Airways temporarily suspending services to Iran and Iraq. Video footage showed air traffic in Iranian and Iraqi airspace clearing in the early hours of Friday.
As a result of the strikes and ongoing tensions, shares in several airlines fell, including International Airlines Group (which owns British Airways, Vueling, and Iberia), which saw a roughly 4% decline, along with Air France-KLM.