Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes
Following recent US airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites, airlines have been increasingly rerouting flights away from substantial portions of the Middle East, as indicated by flight tracking service FlightRadar24. This shift in flight patterns has occurred in light of ongoing missile exchanges in the region.
“In response to US strikes on Iranian nuclear installations, commercial air traffic is adhering to the new airspace restrictions that were implemented last week,” noted FlightRadar24 on social media platform X.
Airlines opt for alternative routes
According to the FlightRadar24 website, airlines are avoiding Iranian, Iraqi, Syrian, and Israeli airspace. Many are choosing alternative paths, either routing north over the Caspian Sea or south via Egypt and Saudi Arabia, despite the increased fuel and operational costs along with longer travel times.
The escalation of missile and drone attacks across various conflict zones globally poses significant risks to airline operations.
Since Israel commenced military actions against Iran on June 13, many airlines have halted flights to affected regions. While there have been some evacuation missions from neighboring countries, efforts have also directed at bringing stranded Israeli citizens back home.
The two largest Israeli airlines, El Al Israel Airlines and Arkia, announced on Sunday that they would be pausing rescue flights aimed at returning individuals to Israel until further notice.
El Al also indicated it would continue to cancel routine flights through June 27.
According to Israel’s airports authority, the airspace has been closed to all commercial flights; however, land borders with Egypt and Jordan remain operational.
Countries taking action to bring back citizens from Iran
The Japanese foreign ministry announced on Sunday the successful evacuation of 21 individuals, including 16 Japanese nationals, via land transport to Azerbaijan. This marked their second evacuation operation since Thursday, with plans for additional evacuations if deemed necessary.
The New Zealand government also stated on Sunday that it would prepare a Hercules military transport aircraft to assist in the evacuation of New Zealanders from the Middle East. The government confirmed that personnel and a C-130J Hercules plane would depart Auckland on Monday, with the journey taking several days to reach the area.
Discussions with commercial airlines are ongoing to explore how they might provide additional support for evacuations.