Airlines Navigate Middle East Airspace Challenges Amid Rising Tensions

Airlines have largely avoided Iranian airspace due to fears of retaliatory strikes by Israel, leading to prolonged flight times and increased fuel costs. Changes in flight routes through alternative regions are observed, and some airline operations are slowly resuming post-attack adjustments.

In response to rising tensions in the Middle East, airlines are largely steering clear of Iranian airspace, according to data from Flight Radar 24. This shift is attributed to mounting fears of potential Israeli retaliatory attacks on Iran, which have, in turn, extended flight durations and inflated fuel expenses.

Over the past year, the tumultuous situation in the Middle East has compelled airlines to frequently alter their routes to reassess the safety of their flight paths. 'Most airlines have rerouted flights away from Iran, using alternative northern and southern routes,' said FlightRadar24 spokesperson Ian Petchenik.

Despite some resumption of operations, such as Lufthansa's plans to return to Iraqi and Jordanian airspace, flights to critical hubs like Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Tehran remain suspended amid ongoing security concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)