A full-scale U.S. and Israeli airstrike on Iran on the 28th (local time) has thrown global aviation into chaos as airspace across the region remains closed.
Iran's counterattacks targeting U.S. military bases in the region have disrupted most Middle Eastern air routes. The turmoil is expected to continue as the U.S. and Israel are likely to sustain airstrikes on Iran for several days, with Iran expected to retaliate with missiles against Israel and regional U.S. bases.
Iran's Civil Aviation Organization announced that its airspace has been closed indefinitely following the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. The agency had initially announced a six-hour closure, which has now been extended indefinitely.
Israel has also announced airspace closures, banning civilian aircraft from entering its airspace.
Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, which saw U.S. military bases on their soil come under attack, announced they would close their airspace for the time being. Syria also temporarily closed its airspace as a precautionary measure.
Airlines worldwide have begun canceling Middle East-bound flights following notifications of regional airspace closures.
Turkish Airlines announced it would cancel flights to the Middle East due to regional airspace closures. Emirates, the UAE's national carrier, also reported disruptions to multiple flight operations.
British Airways said it would cancel flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain through the 3rd due to the Iran strikes, adding that its flight to Amman, Jordan departing that day would also be canceled.
Russian authorities announced they would suspend flights to Iran and Israel until further notice.
Gatwick Airport in the UK issued a notice warning that some Middle East-bound flights departing from Gatwick may experience delays or cancellations due to regional airspace restrictions.