Credited from: THEJAKARTAPOST
Following the recent US strikes on Iran, major airlines worldwide are re-evaluating their flight operations across the Middle East. The US military's attack on key Iranian nuclear sites has escalated tensions, prompting airlines to cancel or reroute flights, particularly affecting routes to cities like Doha and Dubai, which are critical for international travel, according to Bangkok Post, Reuters, and Channel News Asia.
The intense conflict has forced airlines like Singapore Airlines, British Airways, and Emirates to announce significant flight suspensions, with ongoing air traffic disruptions occurring since Israel targeted Iranian positions on June 13. Flight operations over Iranian airspace have largely ceased, impacting pivotal travel corridors, according to The Jakarta Post and Business Insider.
As a result of the evolving situation, Qatar Airways temporarily suspended operations from Doha following escalated military actions. The airline joins a list of carriers such as Air France and Finnair that have cancelled numerous flights to and from the region due to ongoing safety concerns, as outlined by Al Jazeera and BBC.
With escalating airspace security risks leading to major cancellations, airlines are facing increasing operational burdens. Deviation in flight paths has become necessary, as routes that typically navigate through the region are no longer viable, significantly increasing travel times and operational costs, according to Al Jazeera and India Times.
Despite significant disruptions, some airlines are working towards resuming flights as airspace conditions improve. Qatar's airspace temporarily reopened, allowing for a cautious hope of normalcy in air travel, though various carriers are still on alert and reassessing their schedules regularly to accommodate safety assessments, as stated by Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.