Over 500 Flights Disrupted as Israel-Iran Conflict Sparks Airspace Chaos Across Middle East Airports

Airlines including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Kuwait Airways face major disruption as airspace restrictions ripple through key regional airports.

✈️ Massive Flight Disruption Across Middle East

More than 500 flights were canceled or delayed in the past 24 hours as rising tensions between Israel and Iran led to widespread airspace restrictions across the Middle East. Major carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air, Etihad, and EgyptAir were forced to reroute or suspend flights across several key airports.

📍 Airports Affected

Dubai International Airport (DXB)

80 flight cancellations
374 delays
FlyDubai: 68 flights canceled, 131 delayed
Emirates: 0 cancellations, 128 delays
The UAE, though not directly involved in the conflict, has become a critical rerouting hub, causing heavy congestion and delays.

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), Israel

153 flights canceled, 2 delayed
Israir: 52 cancellations
El Al: 50 cancellations
International carriers like United, Delta, and Air France also suspended operations due to security concerns.

Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA), Tehran

26 cancellations, 4 delays
Affected: Mahan Air, FlyDubai, and other regional carriers
Iran’s tight airspace control has resulted in paused or rerouted international services.

Queen Alia Airport (AMM), Jordan

40 cancellations, 36 delays
Royal Jordanian, Pegasus, and Air Arabia among affected airlines
Proximity to conflict zones has triggered cautious rerouting despite open skies.

Sharjah Airport (SHJ), UAE

26 cancellations, 51 delays
Heavily impacted: Air Arabia

Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), Turkey

28 cancellations, 175 delays
Pegasus Airlines led delays with over 100 late departures
Turkey’s skies remain open but are now overcrowded due to diverted flights.

⚠️ Why This Is Happening

The Israel-Iran conflict has created dangerous air corridors, leading to:

Sudden airspace restrictions
Mass rerouting of flights
Airport congestion and limited flight paths
Safety concerns for both passengers and flight crews

🧭 Airlines Respond with New Strategies

Airlines like Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Kuwait Airways are actively adjusting routes to avoid conflict zones. While many are offering free rebooking or full refunds, passengers still face uncertainty as flight plans can change at short notice.

🗣️ Warnings from Aviation Authorities

IATA and EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) have issued new conflict zone bulletins
Airlines are advised to avoid flying over war zones
Governments are urging citizens to delay non-essential travel

📊 Summary Table of Disruptions by Airport

Airport	Cancellations	Delays
Dubai (DXB)	80	374
Ben Gurion (TLV)	153	2
Imam Khomeini (IKA)	26	4
Queen Alia (AMM)	40	36
Sharjah (SHJ)	26	51
Istanbul Sabiha (SAW)	28	175

🛑 The Road Ahead: Uncertain Skies

With over 518 flights disrupted in a single day, the Middle East aviation sector is on high alert. Airlines and passengers are bracing for more delays, longer routes, and possible cancellations as the regional conflict unfolds.