Home » AIRLINE NEWS » SWISS, Air France, Air India, Qatar, Azerbaijan, Emirates, El Al, ITA Airways, and More Reroute or Cancel Flights to Tel Aviv Amid Heightened Security Risks from Israel and Iran Conflict: New Update You Need to Know
Friday, June 13, 2025
As of June 13, 2025, numerous major airlines, including SWISS, Air France, Air India, Qatar Airways, Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), Emirates, El Al, ITA Airways, and others, have made significant changes to their flight operations to Tel Aviv due to the escalating security risks arising from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The conflict, which involves Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites followed by retaliatory drone attacks, has caused airlines to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of passengers and crews.
Airlines Suspending and Rerouting Flights to Tel Aviv
Several airlines, including SWISS, Air France, and ITA Airways, have suspended flights to Tel Aviv until at least June 23, 2025, citing the increasingly volatile situation. These airlines have followed a similar pattern by grounding their services to the affected region, prioritizing the safety of their passengers and staff above all else.
SWISS, a member of the Lufthansa Group, has announced that it will not resume flights to Tel Aviv for the remainder of its summer schedule, halting operations until October 25, 2025. This decision reflects the airline’s focus on ensuring operational stability amidst an uncertain security environment.
Air France, following the closure of Israeli airspace, has also decided to cancel all flights to and from Tel Aviv indefinitely, marking a continuation of its cautious approach to the region’s escalating tensions. This indefinite suspension reflects both the immediate risks posed to flights in the area and the airline’s focus on safeguarding its operations.
Air India has been forced to reroute flights that would have otherwise passed over Iranian airspace, including services from cities like New York, Vancouver, Chicago, and London. Flights are either returning to their origin or being redirected, as airspace restrictions continue to evolve due to the military actions in the region.
Other airlines such as Qatar Airways and Azerbaijan Airlines have taken similar actions. Qatar Airways has temporarily canceled all flights to Iran and Iraq, given the heightened risks following Israeli military strikes. Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) also canceled flights to Tehran, Tel Aviv, and Dubai on June 13 and 14, 2025, as a precautionary measure against the growing instability in the Middle East.
Impact on Other Airlines and Routes
Emirates and Flydubai, two prominent airlines in the UAE, have similarly suspended services to Amman, Beirut, Damascus, Iran, and Israel. Several other flights operated by both carriers have been rerouted or canceled as the airlines adjust their operations in light of the ongoing conflict. These adjustments are part of the airlines’ efforts to avoid the increasingly risky airspace above the conflict zones in the region.
El Al, Israel’s national carrier, has been impacted by airspace closures and has grounded flights to and from Tel Aviv. This decision follows the directive from Israeli authorities to close the airspace amid the ongoing military operations. The airline has had to temporarily halt its services to maintain the safety of its passengers.
ITA Airways, the Italian national carrier, has also suspended its Tel Aviv flights through June 22, 2025, continuing the trend of caution adopted by international airlines in response to the rising tensions between Israel and Iran.
Flight Delays and Diversions
As a result of these suspensions and rerouting decisions, passengers traveling to and from Tel Aviv and the surrounding regions may experience flight delays and altered itineraries. Some Asian-bound flights have seen extended flight times due to route changes designed to avoid the conflict zones. Flight durations may be extended by up to 30 minutes depending on the new routes taken to bypass restricted airspace.
Abu Dhabi Airport’s Advisory
Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi has issued a public advisory alerting travelers to expect possible delays and disruptions. The airport has urged passengers to confirm flight details with their airlines before heading to the airport, as the situation in the region continues to evolve. Passengers are advised to stay informed of any updates regarding their flights.
Proactive Communication with Affected Passengers
Airlines across the globe, including SWISS, Air France, Lufthansa, and Air India, are actively informing affected passengers about the changes to their travel plans. For those impacted by flight cancellations or delays, the airlines are offering rebooking options at no extra charge or providing full refunds for those who no longer wish to travel. These flexible options are designed to accommodate the uncertainty caused by the current geopolitical instability and to ensure that passengers can make alternative arrangements with minimal disruption.
Looking Ahead: Monitoring the Situation
As the Israel-Iran conflict continues to evolve, airlines will be closely monitoring the situation and adjusting their operations as needed. SWISS, Air France, Lufthansa, and other affected carriers have committed to providing timely updates to passengers as the security situation develops. Travelers are encouraged to check with their airlines for the latest information regarding their flights to or from the affected regions.
Conclusion: Safety Remains the Priority
In conclusion, the suspension, rerouting, and cancellation of flights to Tel Aviv and other destinations in the Middle East reflect the heightened security risks arising from the Israel-Iran conflict. Airlines are making necessary adjustments to safeguard passengers and crews, and these measures underline the industry’s commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of air travel, even during times of geopolitical unrest. As the situation continues to evolve, passengers should stay informed of any changes to flight schedules and anticipate potential disruptions in the region’s air traffic.
Tags: Air France, air india, airline safety, airline support, Azerbaijan, beirut, EL AL, Emirates, flight cancellations, Flight Delays, Flight Suspensions, ITA Airways, lufthansa group, Middle East Tensions, passenger safety, QATAR, SWISS, SWISS flight updates, Tel Aviv, Travel advisory
