Israeli Airlines Suspend Flights as Missiles Rain Down

Israel’s major airlines — El Al, Arkia, and Israir — have announced the suspension of inbound flights amid intensifying regional conflict and increasing missile strikes. The move comes as tensions escalate between Israel and Iran, and fears grow over further aerial attacks and airspace safety.

El Al, Israel’s flag carrier and largest airline, said it would halt all passenger flights into the country “until further notice” and extend the cancellation of scheduled services through June 27. Arkia and Israir have also joined in suspending inbound operations, citing security concerns and the unpredictable situation over Israeli and neighbouring airspace.

This latest disruption comes as airlines around the world continue to avoid large swathes of Middle Eastern airspace following a wave of U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and retaliatory drone and missile attacks. The region’s skies have become increasingly dangerous due to escalating exchanges between Israeli and Iranian forces since mid-June.

According to global flight-tracking service FlightRadar24, international air traffic is now being heavily rerouted to avoid Iranian, Iraqi, and Israeli airspace. Many airlines, including those based outside the region, are adopting flight paths over the Mediterranean or South Asia to avoid exposure to long-range missile threats and drone warfare.

Several missile incidents in recent days have reportedly come dangerously close to commercial aviation routes. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that dozens of drones and ballistic missiles have been intercepted in its airspace, with some reported debris falling in civilian areas. Meanwhile, Iran has claimed targeted drone and missile attacks against Israeli cities and military installations.

The airspace disruption has also affected international carriers. Lufthansa, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Air France-KLM have either diverted or temporarily suspended flights to Tel Aviv and other destinations in the region.

Global aviation regulators have issued alerts urging airlines to exercise extreme caution while operating near conflict zones. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has advised airlines to closely monitor the evolving situation and to remain in contact with regional air navigation authorities.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on all sides to respect the safety of civilian aviation and to uphold international aviation agreements that protect aircraft and passengers from military conflict.

This suspension of flights adds another layer of difficulty for Israelis abroad trying to return home, as well as for foreign nationals attempting to exit the country. Israeli aviation authorities are reportedly exploring the possibility of temporary air corridors under military escort to allow for humanitarian and evacuation flights, though no such plans have yet been formalised.

With no sign of immediate de-escalation, and the conflict showing signs of further escalation, the suspension of flights is expected to continue well into next week or longer, depending on the security assessment and regional developments.