Israel airspace closed as Middle East tension escalates

Jerusalem: Israeli authorities said the country's airspace was closed Sunday for a third consecutive day, after two nights of deadly missile strikes from Iran in response to Israel's bombardment campaign.

"Due to the security situation and in accordance with the instructions of security authorities, Israeli airspace is currently closed to civilian aviation -- no incoming or outgoing flights are operating," said a joint statement from the transport and foreign ministries.

Iran also closed its airspace Friday, a closure which will continue through 3 p.m. local time Sunday, according to its Civil Aviation Organisation. Passengers should avoid visiting the country's airports in person, it said.

In contrast, Jordan's airspace, which is between the two countries, has reopened after being temporarily closed on Friday as a precautionary measure, as per CNN.

As per official news agency TPS, the Israel Defence Forces said that the country's Air Force and Israel Navy intercepted seven unmanned aerial vehicles - drones - launched towards Israeli territory in the past hour this morning.

AFP