Airlines Cancel and Reroute Flights After Israeli Strike Closes Middle East Airspace

Tel Aviv — Airlines around the world suspended or rerouted flights on Friday after Israel launched overnight missile strikes on Iran, prompting Iran to retaliate with drone attacks and forcing airspace closures across the Middle East.

Delta Air Lines suspended service to Tel Aviv until at least September, just weeks after resuming flights. United Airlines extended its suspension through July 31. Both airlines had flights en route to Tel Aviv that turned back mid-air to New York.

United also confirmed that it evacuated 26 crew members from Israel via El Al, which has since suspended all operations in line with government directives.

“All EL AL and Sundor flights are suspended for the time being,” the airline said in a statement, warning passengers not to go to Ben Gurion Airport.

Broader Airline Impact

Other carriers also responded swiftly:

• Lufthansa suspended service to Tel Aviv and Tehran through July 31, and to Jordan and Lebanon until June 20

• Turkish Airlines and Wizz Air canceled flights to Israel

• Emirates canceled routes to Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon

Passengers were offered travel vouchers and change-fee waivers.

Security and Safety Concerns

Israeli Channel 12 reported the complete closure of Israeli airspace until further notice due to ongoing retaliatory drone strikes. This marks the second major air travel disruption in the region this year.

The incident underscores how escalating Middle East conflicts continue to disrupt global air travel, forcing airlines to take longer, costlier routes around war zones.