A series of military strikes between Israel and Iran on Friday caused major disruptions to air travel,leading to numerous flight diversions and cancellations. The initial Israeli strikes targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure prompted a response from Iran, further complicating air travel in the region.

Following the strikes by the Israeli military, Iran launched 100 drones toward Israel, with an Iranian armed forces spokesperson vowing that Israel would pay a “heavy price” for the attacks. This escalation led to the closure of airspace over Iran, Israel, and Iraq, compelling airlines to reroute flights to avoid the conflict zone.

Flightradar24 reported that flights within Iranian airspace altered their routes to avoid Tehran, where Iran’s nuclear facilities are located, or were diverted out of the country altogether. Ben Gurion Airport in tel Aviv also saw flights being diverted.

Data from Flightradar24 also indicated that United and Delta flights en route from New York to tel Aviv turned back over the Atlantic ocean once the strikes began. Neither Delta nor United have issued public statements regarding the changes.

Global Airlines Respond to Middle East Tensions

Airlines around the world have been forced to adjust their schedules in response to the escalating conflict.

“Qatar Airways has temporarily cancelled flights to Iran and Iraq due to current situation in the region.”

Air India announced via X that 16 of its flights were diverted or returned to their origin airports due to “the emerging situation in iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace and in view of the safety of our passengers.” The airline stated it was working to provide accommodations, refunds, and option travel arrangements for affected passengers.

Emirates and Qatar Airways also announced cancellations and diversions. “Qatar Airways has temporarily cancelled flights to Iran and Iraq due to current situation in the region,” the airline stated on X.

FlightRadar24 posted a video on social media showing the airspace over Iran and Iraq clearing out early Friday morning as airlines rerouted to avoid the area.

Airline Stocks Affected

The combination of the military strikes and the Air India Boeing 787 crash contributed to a dip in airline stocks on Friday. International Airlines Group,the parent company of British Airways,Vueling,and Iberia,saw a 4% decline,while Air France-KLM was down nearly 4%.