Airlines around the world are continuing to cancel, reroute, and suspend flights as geopolitical tensions rise in Iran, prompting new airspace warnings. As the situation escalates, carriers are avoiding parts of the Middle East that regulators and risk monitors now consider higher risk.
Official warning from Europe and the U.S.
The new development comes after President Donald Trump announced its plan to move its naval forces toward the region and Iranian officials warned that any attack would be treated as full-scale war. Iran’s airspace and especially the Tehran Flight Information Region (OIIX) has seen short-notice closures this month, sparking diversions and cancellations.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin on Jan. 16, advising all EU operators not to enter Iranian airspace at any altitude until at least Feb. 16. EASA also warned that any potential U.S. military action could lead to retaliatory strikes, increasing risks not only over Iran but also in neighbouring countries hosting U.S. military bases.
Several national authorities have issued their own directives:
- Germany has instructed its civil operators not to enter Iranian airspace, overriding previous guidance, with the restriction currently valid until Feb. 10.
- The United States continues to prohibit all U.S. operators from overflying the Tehran FIR under SFAR 117, in effect until October 2027.
- The United Kingdom advises operators not to enter Iranian airspace due to the threat from anti-aircraft weaponry.
- Italy has issued a caution notice, requiring Italian operators to carry out robust risk assessments and contingency planning before operating near Iran.
- France restricts overflights of western Iran entirely and limits eastern routes to higher altitudes only.
Airline Responses
Some major airlines have already reacted:
- KLM is avoiding airspace over Iran, Iraq, and Israel and has suspended multiple Middle East services until further notice.
- Lufthansa and others are routing flights around Iranian and Iraqi airspace, sometimes requiring stops for fuel or crew changes.
- Wizz Air has altered routes to avoid the region entirely.
- Air France briefly cancelled flights before resuming some services while noting it constantly monitors the situation.
- British Airways, United and Air Canada have cancelled or paused flights to Israel and the UAE over security concerns.
Many carriers are flying longer routes to avoid the risk zone, which can add flight time and fuel costs. Although carriers worldwide are continuing to cancel, reroute and suspend flights, airlines say they will continue to update schedules based on safety assessments and government advisories.
Will your travel plans be affected by the new restrictions? Let us know in the comments.
