Major airlines halt flights to Tel Aviv, UAE, and Saudi Arabia over Middle East tensions
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- Major airlines suspend or reroute flights to the Middle East amid rising regional tensions.
International air traffic to the Middle East faced widespread disruption on Friday after several major global airlines abruptly suspended or altered flights to and from Tel Aviv and other destinations in the region.
The decisions came amid growing fears of a broader regional military confrontation, fueled by firm U.S. statements and intensified military movements in regional waters.
European and North American cancellations
Data from European airports showed that German, French, Dutch, and Swiss airlines, alongside Canadian carriers, began canceling scheduled flights starting Saturday.
The Air France–KLM group announced the immediate suspension of all flights to Tel Aviv and several regional destinations, stressing that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority amid rapidly evolving security conditions.
Lufthansa group, which includes Swiss and Austrian airlines, said it would cancel Saturday’s flights to Middle Eastern destinations, including Tel Aviv, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. The group had earlier restricted Tel Aviv operations to daytime hours only and halted overnight stays for flight crews at Ben Gurion Airport as a precautionary measure.
U.S. and Canadian airlines, including United Airlines and Air Canada, also announced temporary suspensions of flights pending updated security assessments from aviation authorities.
U.S. military movements raise alarm
The sudden airline response followed remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who told reporters while returning from the Davos forum that a “large fleet” of U.S. warships was moving toward the Middle East.
Intelligence reports indicated that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by guided-missile destroyers, is en route to the region, developments widely interpreted by economic and aviation circles as signals of a possible imminent military strike.
'Israeli' alert, Iranian warnings
The developments come amid repeated U.S. warnings to Tehran over its nuclear program and handling of domestic unrest, further intensifying regional tensions. Israel, meanwhile, announced heightened alert levels for its air force and air defense systems in anticipation of potential developments.
Iran responded with official statements from senior military commanders, declaring full readiness and warning that any U.S. military action would render American bases and interests in the region legitimate targets, raising fears of further escalation.
Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, however, said domestic air traffic remains fully operational and is proceeding according to schedule.
No airspace closure
The agency’s spokesperson firmly denied reports of Iranian airspace closures or aircraft evacuations, emphasizing that air navigation over Iran remains normal and safe.
