Commercial Flights Avoid Airspace Above Iran and Israel Following US Airstrikes
As tensions escalate in the Middle East, commercial airlines are increasingly avoiding the airspace over Iran and Israel. This shift comes in the wake of US airstrikes on Iranian targets, which began on June 21, 2025, following Israel’s initial attacks on June 13. The ongoing conflict has prompted airlines to reassess flight paths, leading to significant changes in air travel routes.
Impact on Air Travel
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 indicates a notable absence of commercial aircraft in the skies above Iran, Israel, Syria, and Iraq. The map of global flights reveals a remarkably empty airspace in these regions, highlighting the immediate impact of the conflict on commercial air travel.
Despite not receiving specific threats, airlines are exercising caution due to concerns about being inadvertently caught in the crossfire. The situation has led to the cancellation of flights, including two Singapore Airlines (SIA) flights to Dubai, as part of a security assessment in light of the escalating tensions.
Details of the Conflict
The conflict escalated when Israel launched military strikes against Iranian targets, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile and drone attacks. On June 21, the US conducted airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, which US President Donald Trump described as a “spectacular military success.” In response, Iran condemned the attacks, labeling the US as “war-mongering and lawless.”
Iran’s leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has warned that if the US joins Israel in its attacks, it would face “irreparable damage.” The presence of US military bases in the region, including in Qatar and the UAE, raises concerns about potential retaliation and further escalation of the conflict.
Airline Responses
In light of the situation, Singapore Airlines has cancelled flights SQ494 and SQ495, which were scheduled to operate between Singapore and Dubai. The airline has previously ceased flying over Iranian airspace since August 2, 2024, opting for alternative routes to ensure passenger safety.
As the situation continues to develop, airlines and authorities are closely monitoring the conflict and its implications for air travel, urging passengers to stay informed about potential changes to flight schedules and routes.