Moscow: Russia has ordered its airlines to suspend flights to Iran and Israel following a sharp escalation in conflict in the Middle East that has forced several countries to close their airspace.
The Russian Transport Ministry said the decision was taken to ensure passenger safety after airspace over Iran and Israel became unsafe due to ongoing military actions. Russian aviation authorities have advised carriers to avoid the affected zones and choose safer alternative routes.
Flights to other destinations in the Gulf region are continuing, but many routes are being diverted around restricted airspace. These changes are expected to increase travel time and operational costs for airlines.
The disruption follows a dramatic escalation in regional tensions after Israel launched a preemptive strike on Iranian targets. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks, raising fears of a wider conflict. As a result, multiple countries in the region closed their airspace, affecting major international flight corridors.
Airspace restrictions have impacted parts of Iran, Israel, Iraq and several Gulf states, forcing airlines worldwide to cancel or reroute flights. Aviation authorities across Europe and Asia have issued safety notices, and global carriers are closely monitoring the situation.
The suspension of flights highlights the growing impact of the conflict on international travel and aviation safety. Industry experts say disruptions may continue until security risks in the region decrease and airspace restrictions are lifted.