A flight risk monitoring group has issued a warning about an increased threat to American airline operators in the Middle East following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
The heightened alert comes amid escalating tensions in the region, including a series of missile exchanges between Israel and Iran. Airlines have grown increasingly cautious, with many now avoiding airspace near conflict zones.
Several carriers have already canceled flights to Dubai after conducting new security assessments. The threat of potential Iranian retaliation against U.S. military interests in the region has further intensified concerns.
According to Safe Airspace, a group that tracks aviation threats, the danger to U.S.-linked flights may escalate, particularly as Iran considers possible responses to the strikes.
In response to Iran’s recent missile attacks, Israel briefly reopened its airspace for six hours on Sunday to allow stranded tourists to return home, highlighting the ongoing volatility.
Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 shows a growing number of airlines choosing to reroute flights via northern paths over the Caspian Sea or through Egypt and Saudi Arabia. These alternative routes significantly increase travel time and fuel costs.
Adding to airline worries is the rising cost of oil, a consequence of geopolitical instability, which is driving up the price of jet fuel.
Even before the U.S. attacks, American Airlines had already suspended flights to Qatar and Dubai, indicating growing apprehension in the aviation industry about regional safety.
Meanwhile, several evacuation flights continue to operate from neighboring countries as commercial airlines suspend service to the affected zones.
