Israel’s over “preemptive attacks” on Iran early Friday have led to major problems in international air customers across the Middle East, as professional airlines immediately diverted pathways to avoid the affected area.
The cuts, which targeted Iranian nuclear services, missile system, and important military personnel, marked one of the most powerful escalations between the two longstanding adversaries in decades. As air-raid lights sounded in pieces of Israel and bombs were reported near Tehran, real-time information from flight tracking services Flightradar24 showed a speedy clearing of civilian aircraft from the state’s skies. A time-lapse video circulated online illustrating how aircraft were forced to abandon Middle East airspace as the Israeli operation commenced. The disruption is expected to have a ripple effect on international aviation, with longer flight durations, rerouted paths, and increased fuel costs likely for carriers operating across the Middle East and Asia. Emirates airline confirmed that multiple flights to and from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iran had been cancelled. The airline’s website listed cancellations for several Friday flights, as well as a Tehran-bound flight scheduled for Saturday. Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, issued a statement acknowledging delays and cancellations at both DXB and DWC, Al Maktoum International, citing “airspace closures over Iran, Iraq, and Syria”.The Israeli strikes conducted under, Operation Rising Lion hit multiple strategic sites across Iran, including its main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz. Black smoke was seen rising from the area, and Iranian state media confirmed damage at multiple locations. Two senior Iranian military commanders were reported killed in the strikes, according to regional sources. In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed” severe punishment”, warning Israel of impending retaliation. Hours later, the Israeli military said it had begun intercepting Iranian drones launched in reprisal, though these interceptions were taking place outside of Israeli airspace. Details of the counterattacks remain limited. The attack represents the most serious military confrontation Iran has faced since the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s and heightens fears of a broader regional conflict, especially with Tehran’s nuclear program continuing to advance despite years of international pressure. Global airlines are now bracing for further disruptions, while diplomatic channels remain tense. The United States has publicly denied involvement in the Israeli strike, though President Donald Trump has acknowledged receiving advance notice.
