Globe Aware volunteers should be aware that major airspace closures over Iran, Israel, Iraq, and Jordan are causing significant flight disruptions and rerouting in the Middle East. These changes may affect travel plans between Europe, North America, and Asia.
Major Airspace Closures In Middle East: What This Means For Your Next Flight
Flights in the Middle East stand suspended or diverted in light of airspace closures over Iran, Israel, Iraq, and Jordan.
ByYashita Vashishth
Jun 13, 2025
TRAVEL + LEISURE
Iran and Israel have declared an indefinite closure of their airspace following the escalating political situation between the two countries. The ongoing developments and regional situation have also led to Iraq and Jordan implementing immediate airspace closures. These closures are expected to severely disrupt flight operations for carriers connecting Europe, North America, and Asia, necessitating major rerouting.
It’s worth noting that many air operators have already been actively avoiding Iranian and Israeli airspace since the situation first escalated between the two nations in October 2024. Consequently, most Middle East transit flights have been operating south via Egypt and Saudi Arabian airspace. However, the latest closures further restrict options and amplify the challenges for international air travel in the region, according to a report by Safe Airspace.
Flights in the Middle East stand suspended or diverted in light of airspace closures over Iran, Israel, Iraq, and Jordan.
Narrowing flight corridors: How airlines are navigating airspace closures?
With the airspace closure, flight paths over Iraq, Iran, Israel, and Jordan have been blocked, suspending all direct flights to and from these destinations. This also creates a hindrance for carriers using the airspace for transit between Asia and Europe, or flying upwards to North America. In terms of alternate routes, a report by Arab News states that flights are “steadily diverted over Central Asia and Saudi Arabia”.
The current flight schedule, to be serviced by Singapore Airlines and its subsidiary Scoot, stands largely unaffected, as they stopped flying over Iranian airspace in August 2024 and have been using substitute routes, according to a report by The Straits Times.
With Pakistan’s NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) barring Indian carriers from entering Pakistan’s airspace until June 24, 2025, coupled with the airspace closures of Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Israel, India’s west-bound carriers, such as Air India, will have to take longer, more circuitous routes by flying further south. This will challenge the carrier’s endurance and also place a heavy burden on fuel requirements.
Air India flies to destinations in Europe and North America via the airspace over Iran. Several among these flights have been diverted or returned to their destination of origin.
As of June 13, 2025, Air India flights connecting India to London, New York, and Canada (and originally flying over the now-closed airspace) have been diverted to destinations like Vienna, Sharjah, Jeddah, Frankfurt, and Milan.
Amid the developing situation in Iran, a recent Air India statement said, “We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen disruption and are making every effort to minimise it, including providing accommodation for passengers. Refunds on cancellation or complimentary rescheduling is also being offered to guests who opt for it. Alternative arrangements are being made to fly passengers to their destinations.”
Due to a security situation, French operators are advised not to enter the Tehran Flight Information Region (OIIX) airspace in Iran, according to Safe Airspace. This NOTAM is effective from June 13, 2025, at 0830 hours until June 27, 2025, at 2359 hours.
