Air travel faced significant disruption on Saturday after Israel launched strikes on Iran, prompting the closure of its airspace and the suspension of flights by numerous international carriers.

Israel’s airspace was closed to civilian aircraft following what the nation’s defence minister described as a pre-emptive operation against Iran. The Israel Airports Authority confirmed that all arrivals and departures at Tel Aviv’s main international airport were halted immediately.

Syria also closed part of its airspace on Saturday in the south along the border with Israel for 12 hours, the Civil Aviation Authority said, as Israel and the United States strike Iran.

"The southern air corridors will be closed... from Saturday 12:00pm (0900 GMT) for 12 hours," the agency said in a statement.

Also Read: IDF defends airstrikes, says 'Iran regime has not abandoned plans to destroy Israel' 

European carriers halt Tel Aviv flights

Several European airlines quickly responded to the airspace closure. France’s Air France announced cancellations of its flights to and from Tel Aviv and Beirut scheduled for February 28.

Spain’s Iberia Express also cancelled its Saturday flight to Tel Aviv, originally due at 5:00 pm local time. Dutch carrier KLM suspended its Amsterdam–Tel Aviv service in light of the regional tensions.

Turkish Airlines suspended flights to 10 Middle East nations after Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran. "Flights to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Jordan have been cancelled until March 2," spokesman Yahya Ustun wrote on X, while flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Oman were only suspended for the day.

Also Read: Iran strikes back: Explosions in Bahrain, missile intercepted over Qatar; UAE closes airspace 

Lufthansa, Wizz Air and Swiss suspend regional services

Germany’s Lufthansa confirmed a suspension of flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Oman until March 7. Additionally, flights to and from Dubai were paused over the weekend. SWISS Air says suspending flights to Tel Aviv until March 7. 

Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air halted all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman immediately, extending the suspension until March 7. The airline stated it is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant authorities.

Gulf carriers adjust routes amid regional restrictions

Regional airlines also modified operations due to the airspace closures. Dubai-based flydubai reported disruptions for some of its flights, citing temporary closure of Iraqi, Iranian and Israeli airspace.

Oman Air temporarily suspended flights to Baghdad in response to the developing situation. Kuwait’s aviation authority announced a suspension of all flights to Iran until further notice, according to state media reports.

Indian airlines divert and advise passengers

India’s flag carrier Air India redirected its Delhi–Tel Aviv flight AI139 to Mumbai following the closure of Israeli airspace. The airline cited passenger and crew safety as the primary reason and said it will continue reviewing operations depending on evolving conditions.

Also Read: US names Iran attack ‘Operation Epic Fury’ as Israel dubs it ‘Lion’s Roar’  

Low-cost carrier IndiGo also issued a travel advisory, urging passengers to check flight status before departure amid ongoing regional developments.

(with inputs from agencies)