Global air travel faced major disruption on June 13 as escalating conflict between Israel and Iran led to the cancellation or diversion of hundreds of flights across Europe and the Middle East. According to Eurocontrol, approximately 1,800 flights were affected by mid-morning, including 650 cancellations, significantly impacting passenger movement and airline operations.
Flight tracking data from FlightAware indicated 15,964 delays and 928 total cancellations worldwide on the same day, with 168 of those involving U.S. airports. The disruptions came amid an intensifying geopolitical crisis, with military strikes leading to the closure of multiple regional airspaces. Commercial aircraft avoided skies over Iran, Israel, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq, with major airports in Tehran, Tel Aviv, and Amman completely shut down to passenger traffic.
The suspension of air traffic in these regions severely impacted air corridors between Europe and Asia. The affected route is a crucial passage for many long-haul international flights, especially since airspace over Russia and Ukraine remains inaccessible due to ongoing conflict. Airlines have had to extend flight times through alternative paths or cancel services altogether, straining already vulnerable operational schedules.
Major carriers including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Air India, and Lufthansa adjusted flight plans in response to the unfolding situation. Emirates announced the suspension of services to and from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iran. Air India confirmed rerouting several transcontinental flights, including some bound for the United States and Europe. Israeli airlines El Al and Israir evacuated aircraft from Tel Aviv’s Ben-Gurion Airport as a precautionary measure.
Ben-Gurion Airport was entirely closed to commercial operations on June 13, exacerbating the disruption across the Middle East. The closure had ripple effects, not only affecting travel to Israel but also connecting flights and routes that rely on Middle Eastern hubs for transit. Major media outlets reported that airlines across the globe were compelled to reconfigure or cancel flights due to heightened security concerns and restricted airspace.
Additional airlines such as Air France, Ryanair, and Wizz Air also suspended flights to and from Israel, with no immediate timeline for resumption. The evolving situation has complicated route planning and passenger logistics, with limited alternatives for affected carriers. As the security situation remains volatile, industry observers expect continued disruption in international travel.
Airlines are coordinating with aviation authorities to reassess routes and resume operations as conditions allow. Passengers traveling through Europe, the Middle East, or on long-haul routes involving the affected regions are advised to check with their carriers for the latest updates. – By MENA Newswire News Desk.