Major Airlines Halt Flights to Israel and Iran as Geopolitical Tensions Escalate in 2025
Amid rapidly intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran, a wave of international flight cancellations is sweeping across the aviation industry. Airlines from North America, Europe, and the Middle East have suspended operations to and from Israel and Iran, citing safety concerns, regional instability, and airspace restrictions.
As of June 18, 2025, leading global carriers—including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Lufthansa, Emirates, Air Canada, and Air France—have paused flights, with many placing indefinite holds on services until further notice. The move underscores the far-reaching impact of Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions on international air travel.
Rising Conflict Triggers Global Flight Disruptions
The escalating confrontation between Israel and Iran—fueled by deep-seated political rivalries, territorial disputes, and military escalations—has led to closed airspace, disrupted regional routes, and heightened security alerts. As a result, dozens of global airlines are taking proactive measures to safeguard passengers and crew.
According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), conflict zones near Iranian and Israeli airspace now rank among the highest-risk areas globally, prompting widespread rerouting and grounding of flights.
Airlines Suspending Flights: Key Updates by Region
UAE-Based Carriers:
- Emirates has halted flights to Tehran, Baghdad, Basra, Amman, and Beirut until at least June 30, 2025, with passengers advised to monitor updates on the airline’s website.
- Etihad Airways has canceled all services to Tel Aviv through June 22, 2025, adjusting additional routes due to broader Middle Eastern airspace issues.
- Flydubai has suspended operations to Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, and key Levant cities until June 30, 2025.
- Air Arabia has paused all flights to Iran and Iraq due to airspace closure, urging passengers to verify route status before departure.
- Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has frozen all Tel Aviv services until September 15, 2025, with Amman flights expected to resume after June 20.
European Airlines:
- Lufthansa has suspended Tel Aviv and Tehran services until July 31, 2025, due to security instability.
- Air France has indefinitely stopped flights to and from Tel Aviv, prioritizing traveler safety.
- KLM halted Tel Aviv services until July 1, 2025, with rebooking support available via official channels.
- Ryanair canceled Tel Aviv flights through August 31, 2025, citing direct threats to flight security.
- SWISS International Air Lines ceased operations to Tel Aviv and Beirut through October 25 and July 31, respectively.
- Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines, part of the Lufthansa Group, have paused Tel Aviv operations until at least July 31.
North American and Latin American Airlines:
- Air Canada has canceled Tel Aviv flights from Toronto and Montreal through October 31, 2025, offering waivers and rescheduling assistance.
- United Airlines has suspended Tel Aviv operations until July 31, with safety cited as the airline’s primary concern.
- Delta Air Lines has stopped all Tel Aviv flights through August 31, 2025, providing rebooking and refund options.
- AeroMexico has halted all Tel Aviv routes from Mexico City until further notice.
Nordic and Regional European Airlines:
- Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) canceled flights to Tel Aviv, Tehran, Amman, Erbil, and Beirut through July 31, 2025.
- Norwegian Air Shuttle suspended Tel Aviv and Tehran routes, citing security alerts and airspace restrictions.
- Finnair and Air Baltic have also suspended flights to Tel Aviv, with the latter expecting possible resumptions by June 23, 2025.
Indian and Miscellaneous Airlines:
- Air India has diverted or canceled select routes due to regional instability, especially over Iraqi and Iranian airspace.
- Nordica (Xfly), although no longer operational since 2024, previously ran flights to Tehran and Baghdad, illustrating the historic importance of these routes.
- Air Greenland does not fly directly to the region but has rerouted flights to avoid Middle Eastern airspace entirely.
Airspace Closures and Regional Impact
The closures of Israeli and Iranian airspace have affected not only direct flights but also major transit routes connecting Europe and Asia. Carriers operating long-haul services between Southeast Asia and Europe have been forced to detour via the Black Sea, Central Asia, or the Mediterranean—resulting in longer flight times, fuel costs, and scheduling complications.
Additionally, ICAO advisories warn of increased risks of inadvertent missile strikes or GPS interference in conflict zones, making it unsafe for civilian flights to transit the affected region.
Passenger Guidance and Rebooking Information
All airlines involved are urging travelers to consult their official websites or contact customer service for updated information on:
- Refund eligibility
- Rebooking timelines
- Travel waivers
- Alternative route availability
Most carriers are offering full refunds or rebooking at no extra cost for affected travelers.
Global Aviation Outlook: What Comes Next?
As the situation between Israel and Iran continues to evolve, further flight disruptions are likely. With diplomatic resolutions still uncertain, the global aviation sector may face sustained pressure throughout the summer travel season.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has recommended that airlines continue to monitor developments closely and adhere to regional risk assessments provided by aviation security authorities. Travelers planning routes through or near the Middle East are advised to remain flexible and vigilant.
Conclusion
The unprecedented scale of flight suspensions in 2025 highlights how geopolitical instability can disrupt international travel networks in real time. From Emirates and Lufthansa to Delta and Air Canada, global carriers are prioritizing safety as they adjust to a rapidly changing security landscape.
Passengers with upcoming travel to or near Israel and Iran are strongly advised to check the status of their flights regularly and stay informed through official airline updates. The path forward remains uncertain, but airline safety protocols and contingency measures are helping mitigate the crisis and protect travelers during these turbulent times.
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