Airlines are adjusting flight routes and suspending services to Israel amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States. Dutch airline KLM and Air France are among those impacted, with Iran warning any attack will be considered an all-out war.
Flight Disruptions
KLM has suspended flights to Israel and will avoid flying over Iran, Iraq, and several Gulf region countries, according to a spokesperson. Air France resumed service to Dubai on Friday after a brief suspension, stating it is continuously monitoring the situation in the Middle East.
European Aviation Response
The European Union’s aviation regulator recommended on January 16 that airlines avoid Iranian airspace due to heightened tensions following Tehran’s crackdown on protests and U.S. threats of intervention. Lufthansa previously announced it would bypass Iranian and Iraqi airspace and operate day flights only to Tel Aviv and Amman between January 14 and 19.
Other Airline Adjustments
British Airways temporarily suspended flights to Bahrain as a precaution on January 16, but service has since resumed. Finnair has stopped flying through Iraqi airspace, rerouting flights over Saudi Arabia. Wizz Air avoids Iraqi and Iranian airspace, requiring some flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to make refueling stops in Cyprus or Greece. Italian airline ITA has canceled its night flights to Israel.
Iran stated on Friday that it will treat any attack as an all-out war, ahead of the anticipated arrival of a U.S. military aircraft carrier strike group and other assets in the region.
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