Global air travel has been significantly disrupted following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, prompting major airlines to reroute or cancel flights over the Middle East due to escalating security risks. The situation has intensified since Israeli airstrikes began on June 13, with further deterioration after the U.S. military action on June 22.
Airspace over Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Israel has become a no-fly zone for numerous international carriers. Airlines are now taking longer detour routes via the Caspian Sea in the north or through Egypt and Saudi Arabia in the south, leading to increased fuel consumption, higher crew costs, and complex operational logistics.
According to flight tracking data from FlightRadar24, there has been a dramatic surge in GPS jamming and spoofing across the Persian Gulf region, affecting more than 150 aircraft within 24 hours. This development poses a major safety threat for commercial aviation and adds to the urgency of avoiding the affected airspaces.
Several major airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada, and Air France-KLM, have either suspended or cancelled flights to major Gulf destinations such as Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh. Singapore Airlines and British Airways temporarily halted services but have since resumed limited flights while continuing to monitor the volatile conditions.
Regional carriers from countries like Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq are cautiously resuming services, while Israel’s national airline, El Al, has significantly ramped up evacuation operations. Up to 24 daily evacuation flights are being carried out, each transporting approximately 50 passengers to safety.
The financial impact of these disruptions is mounting rapidly. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that over 1,800 Europe-bound flights have been rerouted or cancelled, resulting in a regional loss exceeding \$5 million per day in overflight fees. Iran alone is reportedly losing about $2.2 million per day, while Iraq, UAE, and Qatar are also facing substantial losses.
In response to the growing crisis, several nations have initiated evacuation plans. Japan coordinated the departure of 21 nationals from Iran through Azerbaijan, while New Zealand has positioned a Hercules military aircraft in the Middle East to support its citizens if needed.
Global diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate the situation. China, Pakistan, and Russia have introduced a United Nations resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between the involved parties. However, the prospects of a swift resolution remain uncertain amid growing regional instability.
Aviation safety groups, including Safe Airspace (OPS-GROUP), have issued alerts warning of heightened risks to commercial flights, especially those of U.S. carriers, due to potential retaliatory actions or proxy strikes. The increasing prevalence of GPS interference has further complicated flight operations, raising concerns about aircraft misidentification or misnavigation in a high-risk conflict zone.
As of June 23, the situation remains fluid. Airlines continue to reroute flights away from the conflict zone, governments are coordinating evacuations, and international organizations are pushing for diplomatic intervention. With safety risks and financial pressures mounting, the global aviation sector faces an uncertain path forward amid one of the most volatile airspace disruptions in recent years.