Israel closes airspace due to evolving situation, airport authority reports.

Israel closes airspace due to evolving situation, airport authority reports.

June 19, 2025

In response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, the Israeli Airports Authority has announced the indefinite closure of Israeli airspace. The decision, effective immediately, follows a series of Iranian missile and drone attacks on Israel, which occurred on June 13, 2025, in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities [1].

The closure of Israeli airspace has led to a wave of cancellations and suspensions from major international airlines. El Al, Israel's national airline, has suspended all scheduled flights and closed ticket sales through at least July 1. United Airlines, which had resumed limited service to Tel Aviv earlier in June, has once again pulled its flights from inventory. Delta Air Lines has removed all flights to Tel Aviv from its schedule through September 1 [1].

The broader Middle East region has been significantly impacted, with airspace over Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Israel currently closed. Major European and Middle Eastern airlines, including Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways, have either suspended flights or delayed planned resumptions to Tel Aviv and other regional hubs [1].

The closures have resulted in thousands of passengers being stranded, with many flights canceled or rerouted. Eurocontrol, the European air traffic control agency, reports that thousands of flights have been canceled or rerouted, leading to increased fuel costs and operational delays [1].

The Israeli Airports Authority has evacuated aircraft to alternate airports such as Larnaca in Cyprus, ensuring that planes and crews remain out of harm's way. The authority has emphasized that it will resume flights only once it is deemed safe to do so.

The conflict has also disrupted the limited air traffic that had recently resumed after a previous round of hostilities in early May. The Israeli Prime Minister's office has warned Israelis not to flee the country through any of the three crossings with Jordan and Egypt, considering those countries a "high risk of threat" to Israeli travelers [2].

The closure of Israeli airspace and the broader Middle East airspace disruptions have significant implications for the global aviation industry. The extended suspensions and cancellations are expected to have a substantial economic impact, with airlines facing increased costs and reduced revenue. The ongoing conflict also raises concerns about the safety and security of passengers and crew members, as well as the potential for further escalation.

References:
[1] https://yeahthatskosher.com/2025/06/israel-iran-war-global-airlines-cancel-israel-routes/
[2] https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-mideast-iraq-airports-airspace-closures-ebd0d9ea8362f2ecd06ceabc0cc40e7c