Airlines operating flights between Australia, the Middle East and Europe are rerouting services and cancelling flights due to escalating conflict in the Middle East, following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
The disruption comes at a critical time for Greek Australians, many of whom travel to Europe during the peak northern summer period to visit family and enjoy holidays.
Qatar Airways, which operates five daily flights from Australia to Doha and recently entered a new partnership with Virgin Australia, confirmed that “some schedule changes” would be implemented.
The airline stated: “We are continuously monitoring and assessing the situation, and reacting in real-time to ensure we operate under the safest conditions possible at all times.”
Qantas has reported no major disruptions, as its routes bypass the Middle East. Nevertheless, it continues to monitor the situation closely.
The conflict erupted over the weekend with coordinated US attacks on three Iranian nuclear facilities, following days of missile and drone exchanges between Tehran and Tel Aviv.
British Airways diverted and cancelled multiple flights to the region, including a Dubai-bound flight that turned back over Egypt and another rerouted to Zurich after entering Saudi airspace. The airline said it had adjusted its schedule “to ensure the safety of customers and crew.”
Singapore Airlines cancelled two flights between Singapore and Dubai on June 22, warning of potential further disruptions. It advised passengers to check flight status updates and confirmed that affected customers would be rebooked or refunded.
“As the situation remains fluid, other Singapore Airlines flights between Singapore and Dubai may be affected,” the airline said.
Aviation analytics firm Cirium noted that while some airspace restrictions are in place, widespread delays are not yet common.
Airlines are now avoiding Iranian, Iraqi, Syrian and Israeli airspace entirely, flying longer routes north via the Caspian Sea or south via Egypt and Saudi Arabia, despite increased fuel and crew costs.
Airline industry observers note that “the primary risk in Iran is a [misidentification] by Iranian air defence systems,” referencing past incidents such as the downing of Ukraine International Airlines flight 752 in 2020.
A comprehensive list of international airlines and their flight cancellations shows a significant impact on routes across the region:
- Aegean Airlines (Greece): Cancelled all flights to/from Tel Aviv through 12 July, and all services to Beirut, Amman, and Erbil through 28 June.
- Bluebird Airways (Greece): Cancelled all flights to/from Israel until at least 30 June.
- Tus Airways (Cyprus): Cancelled all flights to/from Israel until 24 June inclusive. Flights scheduled for 25–30 June are closed for booking.
- Qatar Airways: Cancelled flights to/from Iraq, Iran and Syria.
- British Airways: Suspended Tel Aviv flights until 31 July and paused flights to Amman, Bahrain, Doha and Dubai.
- Singapore Airlines: Cancelled Singapore–Dubai services and warned of further disruptions.
- United Airlines & American Airlines: Suspended services to Tel Aviv and Doha.
- Lufthansa Group: Cancelled flights to Tel Aviv, Tehran, Beirut (until 30 June), and to Amman and Erbil (until 11 July).
- Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai: Multiple cancellations across Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Israel.
- Ryanair & Wizz Air: Cancelled all flights to/from Tel Aviv and Amman until at least September.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
