US Airlines Face Rising Risks as Middle East Conflict Grows
Since the US bombed Iran’s nuclear sites, there are more risks for US Airlines and other international carriers. Aviation risk monitors say that rising tensions between Israel and Iran have caused airlines to cancel or reroute many flights across the Middle East. This has a direct effect on the safety of passengers and the operations of the airlines.
An aviation group called OPSGROUP runs a platform called Safe Airspace. It warned that the US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities may make it more dangerous for American operators in the area. “While no specific threats have targeted civil aviation, Iran has previously warned it might retaliate against US military interests, either directly or through proxies like Hezbollah,” Safe Space said.
Airlines Cancel Flights as Missiles Fly
Because Israel and Iran are firing missiles at each other, a number of airlines have acted quickly. Singapore Airlines canceled flights from Singapore to Dubai after looking at the risks to safety. British Airways also stopped flying to Dubai and Doha because they were worried about safety.
US-based airlines also changed their routes. That is why American Airlines stopped flying to Qatar before the US strikes. United Airlines also stopped flying to and from Dubai. These decisions show that people are getting more worried about the Middle East becoming more dangerous.
A popular website for tracking flights, FlightRadar24, said that many airlines are now staying away from high-risk areas. It is best for carriers to stay away from Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Israel. But instead, they fly over the Caspian Sea to the north or over Egypt and Saudi Arabia to the south. Even though these routes are safer, they take longer to fly, use more fuel, and cost more for crew.
With Russian and Ukrainian airspace still closed due to war, the Middle East remains a critical corridor for flights between Europe and Asia. The current conflict places additional pressure on global air routes.
Beyond safety, airlines worry about rising oil prices after the US strikes. A spike in oil prices directly raises jet fuel costs, adding financial strain to an industry still recovering from previous global crises.
Safe Airspace expanded its warnings beyond Iran. It now advises caution for flights over Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. “We continue to advise a high degree of caution at this time,” the group stated, emphasizing the fluid situation.
British Airways, owned by IAG, allows passengers traveling to Dubai and Doha to rebook through July 6 without extra charges. Singapore Airlines noted that, while Sunday’s cancellations are limited, further changes may occur depending on how the conflict develops.
