6,000 flights cancelled globally in two days due to Iran-Israel conflict

The conflict between Israel and Iran has triggered widespread disruption to international air travel, with around 6,000 flights cancelled globally over the past two days.

According to media reports, the airspace over key Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, Iraq, and Israel, remains closed, severely impacting flight routes and airport operations across the region.

Among the most affected is Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, which has seen a complete suspension of flights as Israel continues its military operations. Airports in Damascus, Baghdad, Tehran, Beirut, and Amman’s Queen Alia Airport have also remained shut due to the escalating hostilities. 

According to aviation officials, airspace closures in Iran, Baghdad, and Israel have persisted for two consecutive days, while limited air traffic has been allowed through Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, but only with prior approval and under strict restrictions.

These closures are particularly disruptive given the region's vast network of international routes. Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport operates flights to 100 destinations across 44 countries daily, while Queen Alia Airport in Amman connects with 81 airports in 40 countries.

Similarly, Damascus Airport in Syria services 20 international airports in 13 countries, Baghdad Airport links to 32 airports in 18 countries, Tehran connects with 51 airports in 23 countries, and Beirut handles flights to 49 destinations in 26 countries. Flight tracking data from FlightRadar suggests that around 3,000 flights have been cancelled each day since the conflict escalated.

The sharp rise in cancellations follows Israel’s announcement on Friday that it had launched targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, ballistic missile sites, and senior military personnel.