The US entry into Israel’s war with Iran has caused travel disruptions worldwide, with flight cancellations continuing on Tuesday despite President Donald Trump claiming a ceasefire was “in effect”. The conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched surprise attacks on Iranian nuclear and military sites, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile strikes.
Airports in the Middle East, particularly Qatar and the UAE, have been on edge since the escalation. Qatar Airways suspended flights due to air traffic closure, while Emirates cancelled all flights to Iran and Iraq until June 30. Etihad Airways also suspended flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv through July 15.
Other airlines, including Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Air India, KLM, Philippine Airlines, and Japan Airlines, have cancelled or suspended flights in the Middle East region due to safety concerns. The disruptions have snarled global flight networks, with 382 cancellations worldwide reported on Tuesday alone.
Experts stress that airspace closures and flight diversions are critical to ensuring safety, especially if future escalation emerges suddenly. “It is the responsibility of states and countries to ensure that their airspace is safe for passage of aircraft,” said Hassan Shahidi, president and CEO of the Flight Safety Foundation. Travelers are advised to monitor government guidance and stay informed about the situation.
The conflict has raised concerns about the impact on global flight networks and the ability of people to evacuate countries affected by the war. As the world watches, leaders urge resolution to the conflict to protect civilian air travel and prevent another tragedy like MH17.
Source: https://fortune.com/2025/06/24/israel-iran-ceasefire-emirates-qatar-airways-travel-cancellations