Story ID: 
Middle East Airspace Closes Amid Israel-Iran Airstrikes
By: Amy Wilder
Caption: Reopened corridors remain high-risk and heavily congested
Word Count: 338
Missile and drone attacks exchanged between Israel and Iran have forced intermittent closure of parts of Middle East airspace, disrupting civil aviation and prompting global warnings about severe overflight risks, according to reports by OpsGroup. Traffic across the region is being diverted through heavily congested reroutes.
A June 13 Conflict Zone Information Bulletin from EASA recommends avoiding Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon “at all flight levels” due to active military operations. The FAA issued parallel guidance stating there is “likely a critical risk to aircraft operating at any altitude in the airspace between Israel and Iran from offensive weaponry, the subsequent air defense responses, and the resulting debris.”
The conflict escalated early on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes against nuclear and military sites across Iran. According to OpsGroup, approximately 200 Israeli fighter aircraft participated in the coordinated raids. Iran responded later that day with ballistic missile and drone attacks on Tel Aviv. Israeli authorities have since stated that operations will continue for several weeks and that they currently hold “full control over Tehran’s skies.”
Neighboring countries have begun reopening their airspace, but under constraints. Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan resumed flight operations on June 15. Jordan requires all inbound flights to carry an additional 30 minutes of fuel through June 21.
With the airspace corridor between Israel and Iran effectively sealed off, aircraft are rerouting either north via the Caspian Sea or south via Egypt and Saudi Arabia. OpsGroup notes that both options are severely congested. “Many sectors are at risk of overload,” the group stated, advising crews to monitor TCAS, prepare frequency handoffs in advance, and expect elevated levels of GPS interference.
Traffic through the Athens and Nicosia FIRs is also experiencing slot delays as European-bound flights seek alternatives. Operators are encouraged to consult official notams and real-time conflict tracking resources such as safeairspace.net.
The situation remains volatile, and further changes to airspace access and routing are likely as the Israel–Iran conflict continues to evolve.