Global Airlines Divert Flights Amid Heightened Middle East Tensions

International airlines continue to avoid significant portions of Middle Eastern airspace after recent US strikes targeted Iranian nuclear facilities. FlightRadar24 reports that commercial air traffic has been rerouted, skirting the region due to ongoing missile exchanges.

The altered flight paths, which include routes via the Caspian Sea and Egypt, lead to higher fuel costs and longer travel times. Persistent missile and drone threats in expanding conflict zones globally pose significant risks for airline operations.

Since the Israeli strikes on Iran in mid-June, several airlines have suspended flights to affected areas. Rescue flights to Israel are now on hold, and New Zealand is preparing military transport for potential evacuations as global diplomatic and evacuation efforts persist.

(With inputs from agencies.)