Airlines Cancel Flights to Middle East Hubs After US Bombings of Iran

Key Takeaways

• US bombings of Iranian nuclear sites on June 21-22, 2025, caused widespread Middle East airspace closures.
• Major airlines like British Airways and Singapore Airlines suspended or rerouted flights to Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh.
• Israel operates 24 daily rescue flights; El Al received 25,000 evacuation requests in one day.

Thousands of travelers are facing major disruptions after the US bombings of Iranian nuclear facilities on June 21-22, 2025. The strikes, which targeted key sites in Iran 🇮🇷, have triggered a wave of flight cancellations and airspace closures across the Middle East. Major international airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Air France, British Airways, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Air Canada, have suspended or rerouted flights to important airport hubs such as Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, and Bahrain. This sudden change has left many passengers stranded or scrambling to find alternative routes, while airlines and governments work to respond to the fast-changing security situation.

What Happened and Why Are Flights Canceled?

The immediate cause of the disruption is the US bombings of Iran 🇮🇷, which followed an earlier missile attack by Israel on June 13, 2025. In response, Iran, Iraq, and Israel have closed their airspace to commercial flights. This means that airlines cannot fly over these countries, forcing them to reroute flights, cancel services, or delay departures. The closures affect some of the busiest air corridors in the world, especially for flights between Europe and Asia.

Airlines are taking these steps mainly to protect passengers and crew from possible missile or drone attacks. Safe Airspace, a global aviation safety group, has warned that the risk to civil aviation has increased due to the possibility of further military action in the region. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, airlines are making daily decisions based on the latest security information, and the situation remains very fluid.

Which Airlines and Routes Are Affected?

Major international airlines have canceled or suspended flights to key Middle Eastern hubs:

• British Airways: Flights to Dubai, Doha, and Bahrain are suspended, with some routes paused until at least the end of June. The airline is reviewing schedules daily and may extend cancellations into July or September.
• Singapore Airlines and Air France KLM: Both have canceled flights to Dubai and Riyadh for Sunday and Monday, with further changes possible.
• American Airlines and United Airlines: These US carriers have suspended flights to Qatar and Dubai.
• Air India and Air India Express: These airlines have rerouted or canceled flights, avoiding Iranian, Iraqi, and Israeli airspace. Some flights to the Gulf are canceled, and others are taking longer routes.
• Gulf-based airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Flydubai, and Gulf Air are still operating, but with schedule changes and longer flight times. These airlines are less likely to suspend operations unless their home airspace is officially closed.

Thousands of passengers have been affected by these cancellations, with many more facing delays due to rerouting. For example, British Airways Flight 109 to Dubai was diverted mid-route, resulting in a journey that took several hours longer than usual. Air India bookings have dropped by up to 20% on some routes, and fares are down by 8-15%.

Airspace Closures and Rerouting

Iran 🇮🇷, Iraq, and Israel have closed their airspace to commercial aviation. This means that almost no commercial flights are flying over these countries, according to flight tracking data from Flightradar24. Airlines are now rerouting flights over the Caspian Sea or over Egypt and Saudi Arabia, which can add up to an hour or more to some journeys.

These changes have several effects:

• Longer flight times: Rerouted flights can take up to an hour longer, and in some cases, journeys are extended by several hours.
• Higher operational costs: Airlines must use more fuel and may have to pay higher fees for using alternative airspace.
• Increased ticket prices: If the situation continues, airlines may raise fares to cover higher costs.

Rescue and Evacuation Flights

With regular flights canceled, some countries are organizing special rescue and evacuation flights for their citizens:

• Israel 🇮🇱 is operating 24 daily rescue flights, each limited to 50 passengers. El Al, Israel’s national airline, reported 25,000 requests for evacuation in a single day.
• Japan 🇯🇵 and New Zealand 🇳🇿 have started overland and military evacuations for their nationals from Iran 🇮🇷 and the broader region.
• Other governments may follow suit if the situation gets worse.

If you are stranded in the region, it is important to register with your embassy or relevant airline for possible evacuation or rescue flights.

What Should Passengers Do?

If you have travel plans involving the Middle East, especially to or through Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, or Bahrain, you should expect significant delays, cancellations, and rerouting. Here are some practical steps you can take:

1. Check Your Flight Status:
Monitor your airline’s website or app for real-time updates. Flight schedules are changing daily, and some decisions are made at the last minute.

2. Contact Customer Service:
If your flight is canceled, contact your airline for rebooking or refunds. Be prepared for long wait times, as many passengers are trying to reach customer service at the same time.

3. Consider Alternative Routes:
Be flexible and open to longer travel times or rerouting via alternative hubs. Some flights may be available through other cities, but these may also be crowded.

4. Monitor Government Advisories:
Check your country’s foreign affairs website for travel advisories and evacuation options. For example, the US Department of State provides up-to-date information for US citizens.

5. Register for Rescue Flights:
If you are stranded in Israel 🇮🇱 or the region, register with your embassy or relevant airline for possible evacuation or rescue flights.

Impact on Airlines and the Aviation Industry

The US bombings of Iran 🇮🇷 and the resulting airspace closures have put enormous pressure on airlines and the wider aviation industry. Here’s how:

For Airlines:

• Increased operational costs: Longer routes mean more fuel and higher costs for using alternative airspace.
• Revenue loss: Canceled flights and reduced bookings mean less income for airlines.
• Higher insurance and security costs: Airlines must pay more for insurance and take extra security measures.
• Uncertainty: Airlines are reviewing flight schedules daily, making it hard to plan ahead.

For the Industry:

• Strain on the Middle East as a transit corridor: The region is a vital link between Europe and Asia, especially since Russian and Ukrainian airspace is already closed due to ongoing conflict. With Middle Eastern airspace also restricted, airlines have fewer options for long-haul flights.
• Possible rise in oil prices: If Iran 🇮🇷 retaliates or closes the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices could rise further, increasing jet fuel costs for airlines.
• Potential for broader disruption: If the situation escalates, more airspace could be closed, causing even greater disruption to global air travel.

Safety and Security Concerns

Aviation security experts warn that the risk to civil aviation has increased due to the possibility of Iranian retaliation and the spread of missile and drone activity in the region. Safe Airspace (OPSGROUP) has advised airlines to avoid flying over affected areas until the situation stabilizes.

Passengers should be aware that airlines are making these decisions to keep everyone safe. While the changes are inconvenient, safety is the top priority for airlines and governments.

Statements from Key Stakeholders

• British Airways: “We have adjusted our flight schedule as a result of recent events to ensure the safety of our customers and crew.”
• Singapore Airlines: Described the situation as “fluid” and said it is monitoring for further changes.
• Qatar Airways: CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer stated that operational responsibilities have taken precedence due to the geopolitical situation.
• Israel’s Airports Authority: Coordinating rescue flights and has closed its airspace for regular flights.

Background and Historical Context

The current crisis began with an Israeli missile attack on Iran 🇮🇷 on June 13, 2025. This was followed by US bombings of Iranian nuclear facilities on June 21-22, 2025. In response, Iran 🇮🇷, Iraq, and Israel 🇮🇱 closed their airspace to commercial flights. The Middle East is a critical air corridor for flights between Europe and Asia, and these closures have a global impact.

The situation is made worse by the ongoing closure of Russian and Ukrainian airspace due to war. With so many airspace restrictions, airlines have very few options for flying between Europe and Asia, leading to longer journeys and higher costs.

Quantitative Data and Statistics

• Thousands of passengers affected: Many travelers are stranded or facing delays due to flight cancellations and rerouting.
• Flight times increased: Rerouted flights can take up to an hour longer, with some journeys extended by several hours.
• Booking and fare impact: Air India bookings have dropped by up to 20% on some routes, and fares are down by 8-15%.
• Evacuation demand: El Al received 25,000 requests for evacuation in a single day, and Israel 🇮🇱 is running 24 rescue flights per day, each capped at 50 passengers.

Policy Implications and Practical Effects

For Passengers:

• Expect delays and cancellations: Flights to and through the Middle East are likely to be disrupted for the foreseeable future.
• Difficulty rebooking: High demand and limited capacity make it hard to find alternative flights.
• Stay informed: Check with your airline and government for the latest updates.

For Airlines:

• Higher costs: Longer routes and higher fuel prices increase expenses.
• Revenue loss: Fewer bookings and canceled flights mean less income.
• Operational challenges: Airlines must make daily decisions based on changing security information.

For the Industry:

• Pressure on Middle Eastern hubs: The region’s role as a transit corridor is under strain.
• Possible changes in global air traffic: Prolonged disruption could reshape flight patterns and increase costs for everyone.

Future Outlook and What to Expect

Short-Term:
Airlines are reviewing flight schedules daily. Some have canceled flights through the end of June, with the possibility of further extensions depending on security assessments.

Potential Escalation:
If Iran 🇮🇷 retaliates or closes the Strait of Hormuz, expect further disruptions, higher fuel prices, and possibly broader airspace closures.

Evacuations:
More governments may start evacuations for their citizens if the situation gets worse.

Industry Impact:
Prolonged disruption could change global air traffic patterns and increase costs for airlines and passengers.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

If you are affected by these disruptions, here are some important resources:

• Airlines: Check your airline’s official website for the latest flight status.
• Flight Tracking: Use Flightradar24 for real-time airspace and flight information.
• Government Advisories:
  • US Department of State for US citizens
  • UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
  • Israel Airports Authority: iaa.gov.il
• Safety Organizations: Safe Airspace (safeairspace.net) for aviation risk updates.

Step-by-Step Guidance for Affected Passengers

1. Check Flight Status: Monitor your airline’s website or app for real-time updates.
2. Contact Customer Service: If your flight is canceled, contact your airline for rebooking or refunds.
3. Consider Alternative Routes: Be prepared for longer travel times or rerouting via alternative hubs.
4. Monitor Government Advisories: Check your country’s foreign affairs website for travel advisories and evacuation options.
5. Register for Rescue Flights: If stranded in Israel 🇮🇱 or the region, register with your embassy or relevant airline for possible evacuation or rescue flights.

Conclusion and Practical Takeaways

The US bombings of Iran 🇮🇷 have caused major disruption to global air travel, especially for flights to and through the Middle East. Airlines have canceled or rerouted flights, and airspace closures have made travel more difficult and expensive. Passengers should stay informed, check with their airlines, and be prepared for changes. Governments and airlines are working to help stranded travelers, but the situation remains uncertain.

For the latest updates, always check official airline and government websites. If you are stranded or need help, contact your embassy and register for rescue flights if available. The situation is changing quickly, so flexibility and patience are key.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the ongoing crisis highlights how quickly global events can affect travel and immigration. Staying informed and prepared is the best way to manage these challenges and ensure your safety during uncertain times.

Learn Today

Airspace closures → Restrictions preventing aircraft from flying over specific countries due to safety or military risks.
Rerouting → Changing originally planned flight paths to avoid restricted or unsafe airspace areas.
Evacuation flights → Special flights organized to transport citizens out of dangerous regions quickly and safely.
Operational costs → Expenses airlines incur for fuel, staff, and fees, especially when flights are longer or rerouted.
Safe Airspace → An aviation safety group monitoring civil risks related to military actions affecting flight safety.

This Article in a Nutshell

US bombings in Iran triggered Middle East airspace closures, disrupting thousands of flights. Airlines suspended routes, causing travel delays. Rescue operations began amid increased risks. Travelers must stay informed, check flight statuses, and consider alternative routes. The aviation industry faces higher costs and uncertainty as geopolitical tensions escalate rapidly across the region.
— By VisaVerge.com