Airlines Halt Middle East Routes After Israel-Iran Strikes
In the wake of Israel's unprecedented air offensive on Iran last week, a wave of global airlines announced sweeping cancellations and suspensions of routes across the Middle East, disrupting air travel for thousands. The heightened conflict, triggered by Israeli claims that Iran was nearing nuclear capability—a charge Tehran denies—has led to widespread exoduses from major Iranian cities and left countless luxury and experience-driven travelers scrambling for alternatives.
Heightened Tensions Prompt Immediate Flight Suspensions
Following Israel’s strike on Iran, major carriers, including Israel's own El Al and Israir, parked aircraft at Cyprus’ Larnaca International Airport, underscoring the magnitude of the region’s aviation shutdown. The volatile situation has not only sparked an exchange of missile attacks but also intensified diplomatic appeals, with U.S. President Donald Trump among world leaders pressing for de-escalation. Amid this uncertainty, airlines have rapidly adjusted schedules, directly impacting connectivity for both business and leisure travelers, particularly those seeking luxury and unique travel experiences in the region.
Comprehensive List of Flight Suspensions and Route Adjustments
Aegean Airlines
Greece's Aegean Airlines confirmed the cancellation of all Tel Aviv flights until the early morning of July 12. The airline also suspended flights to Beirut, Amman and Erbil through the morning of June 28 to prioritize passenger safety.
airBaltic
Latvia's flag carrier, airBaltic, reported that all connections to and from Tel Aviv will remain canceled through June 23 amid unsettled security conditions.
Aeroflot
Russia’s Aeroflot announced suspended flights between Moscow and Tehran, along with unspecified changes to other Middle East routes, after the Israeli strikes.
Air Europa
Spanish airline Air Europa has pulled all flights to and from Tel Aviv through July 31, reflecting continued uncertainty in the region’s skies.
Air France–KLM Group
Air France has halted flights to and from Tel Aviv indefinitely. KLM suspended all Tel Aviv services at least until July 1, warning travelers to expect possible disruptions for Beirut transit as well. Transavia, part of the group, is not operating in Tel Aviv, Amman or Beirut until the end of June.
Air India
Air India stated that several routes are either being redirected or returned to origin airports as an immediate response to the unfolding crisis.
Arkia
The Israeli carrier Arkia cancelled all flights through June 21, citing security risks.
Bluebird Airways
Bluebird Airways from Greece has canceled all routes to Israel from June 13 through June 24. Flights scheduled between June 25 and June 30 are unavailable for new bookings pending further updates.
Delta Air Lines
Delta cautioned travelers that journeys to, from, or through Tel Aviv may be impacted during the extended window from June 12 until August 31.
El Al Israel Airlines
El Al, Israel’s flagship airline, has halted its regular schedules—including subsidiary Sundor—until June 23, with a fleet temporarily based in Cyprus.
Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines has suspended all Addis Ababa–Tel Aviv flights until June 22 due to regional instability.
Etihad Airways
Etihad cancelled Abu Dhabi–Amman routes until June 20 and Abu Dhabi–Tel Aviv until June 22, prioritizing traveler security.
Emirates
Dubai-based Emirates has temporarily suspended flights to and from Jordan (Amman), Lebanon (Beirut) until June 22, as well as Iran (Tehran) and Iraq (Baghdad, Basra) until June 30.
flydubai
flydubai is not servicing Iran, Iraq, Israel or Syria until at least June 30, advising travelers to seek alternate arrangements.
Georgian Airways
The carrier has ceased all Tel Aviv service through June 22.
IAG Group
British Airways, part of International Airlines Group (IAG), suspended Tel Aviv flights until July 31. Flights to Amman and Bahrain are cancelled through June 30. Iberia Express, a sister airline, also won’t serve Tel Aviv until June 30.
Israir
The Israeli airline has canceled all services to and from Israel until June 30.
ITA Airways
ITA Airways (Italy) extended its Tel Aviv flight suspension through July 31, including two previously scheduled flights for August 1.
Lufthansa Group
The German aviation conglomerate scrapped all Beirut flights through June 30 and Tel Aviv and Tehran services through July 31. Amman and Erbil routes are suspended until July 11. Additionally, Lufthansa intends to avoid overflying affected national airspaces until further notice.
Pegasus Airlines
Turkey’s Pegasus canceled flights to Iran until June 30, and to Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan until June 23.
Qatar Airways
All operations to Iraq, Iran, and Syria have been temporarily halted by Qatar Airways, indicating the far-reaching airline impact of the escalating hostilities.
Ryanair
The low-cost giant expects its Tel Aviv routes to be unavailable until September 30, marking a lengthy hiatus for budget European-Middle Eastern travel.
TAROM
Romania’s national airline suspended service to Tel Aviv until June 23, and to Beirut and Amman until June 20.
Tus Airways
The Cyprus-based carrier dropped all flights to Israel through June 24, with services between June 25 and 30 closed for new bookings while monitoring the evolving situation.
Turkish Airlines
Turkey’s transport minister said Turkish Airlines and several local carriers halted routes to Iran, Iraq, Syria and Jordan through June 16.
United Airlines
United Airlines warns travelers that Tel Aviv flights may be disrupted between June 13 and August 1, potentially affecting U.S. to Middle East travel for much of the summer.
Wizz Air
Hungary’s Wizz Air ceased operations to Tel Aviv and Amman until September 15 and will avoid overflying Israeli, Iraqi, Iranian and Syrian airspace until further notice.
Impact Global Aviation
The abrupt and widespread cancellation of Middle East routes after Israel-Iran strikes has highlighted both the vulnerability and interconnectedness of global air travel, particularly for experience-driven and upscale travelers seeking seamless itineraries. Exclusive desert eco-resorts, cultural excursions in historic capitals, and tailored luxury journeys are now all affected by these disruptions.
“Safety and security are the top priorities for our guests and crew,” said a spokesperson for Lufthansa in a statement echoed by many international carriers.
Travelers with premium bookings or intricate multi-stop itineraries should consult with their airlines and advisors, review cancellation policies, and stay closely attuned to new developments. Using expert travel consultants and investing in comprehensive travel insurance are more crucial than ever for those venturing into or through this dynamic region.
What Travelers Should Know
For high-end and adventure-oriented travelers impacted by airlines halting Middle East routes after Israel-Iran strikes, flexibility and proactive communication are now vital. The current instability has accelerated the importance of robust contingency plans, alternate routings via nearby hubs, and real-time itinerary management.
While the Middle East remains an alluring destination for those in search of transformative, authentic experiences, the immediate travel environment is fraught with uncertainty. Upscale travelers should be prepared for rapid changes and continue monitoring official airline and governmental advisories to ensure smooth future journeys once the situation stabilizes.
