Iran reopens airspace after disruption forced flight diversions
Iran reopened its airspace late Wednesday after a temporary closure of nearly five hours that disrupted international aviation and forced multiple airlines to reroute, delay or cancel flights amid rising regional tensions and fears of military escalation.
According to a notice published on the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website, Iran shut its airspace at around 5:15 p.m. ET (2215 GMT), allowing only limited international flights to and from the country with official permission. The restriction was lifted shortly before 10 p.m. ET (0300 GMT), restoring normal flight operations over the country.
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed that five aircraft operated by Iranian carriers — Mahan Air, Yazd Airways and AVA Airlines — were among the first to resume flights through Iranian airspace once the restriction was removed. The tracking service also noted a sharp contrast in air traffic levels, saying that at a similar time last week there had been dozens of aircraft flying over Iran, while the skies were nearly empty during the closure.
The sudden shutdown came amid growing concerns over possible military action involving the United States and Iran. President Donald Trump has been weighing potential responses as Iran experiences its largest anti-government protests in years, adding to regional uncertainty. A U.S. official confirmed on Wednesday that Washington had begun withdrawing some personnel from military bases in the Middle East, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Tensions escalated further after a senior Iranian official warned that Tehran would strike American bases in neighboring countries if the United States were to carry out military action against Iran. Such statements heightened fears for civilian aviation, as missile and drone barrages in conflict zones pose significant risks to aircraft, even those flying at high altitudes.
Airlines operating long-haul routes between Europe, Asia and the Middle East were quick to react. India’s largest airline, IndiGo, said several of its international flights were affected by Iran’s abrupt airspace closure. The carrier indicated that rerouting around the restricted zone could lead to longer flight times, delays and possible cancellations.
Air India also confirmed disruptions, stating that its aircraft were using alternative routes to avoid Iranian airspace. The airline warned passengers to expect delays as flight paths were adjusted to ensure safety. For travelers, the changes meant longer journeys, missed connections and growing uncertainty at already busy international hubs.
Other global carriers were impacted as well. A flight operated by Russia’s Aeroflot, bound for Tehran, was forced to turn back to Moscow after Iran closed its skies, according to Flightradar24 data. European airlines were equally cautious. Earlier on Wednesday, Germany issued a fresh directive advising its airlines to avoid Iranian airspace. This came shortly after Lufthansa reworked its flight operations across parts of the Middle East in response to escalating regional tensions.
The United States already bans all U.S. commercial flights from flying over Iran, and there are no direct passenger flights between the two countries. However, Iranian airspace remains a crucial corridor for many international routes connecting Europe with South Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia. Any disruption in this airspace has a ripple effect across global aviation networks.
Aviation safety experts note that airlines have become increasingly cautious about flying over conflict-prone regions in recent years. Missile launches, drones and air defense systems can pose serious threats, even if commercial aircraft are not the intended targets. Past incidents in other regions have reinforced the industry’s preference for rerouting flights rather than taking risks.
For passengers, the brief closure served as a reminder of how geopolitical tensions can quickly spill into everyday life. What appears to be a distant diplomatic or military standoff can translate into delayed holidays, longer business trips and anxious hours waiting for updates at airports.
While Iran’s airspace has now reopened, airlines are expected to continue monitoring the situation closely. Any further escalation between Washington and Tehran could again force carriers to divert flights, potentially increasing costs and travel times. For now, the resumption of flights has brought some relief, but uncertainty continues to hang over one of the world’s most strategically sensitive air corridors.