Airspace is gradually opening up across the Middle East following Tuesday’s ceasefire between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
Syria, Iraq, and Bahrain each reopened their airspace on Wednesday, while Israel lifted restrictions on flights into and out of Ben Gurion International Airport. All four countries closed or partially closed their airspace following the start of the conflict in Iran in late February, forcing the cancellation of thousands of flights and creating headaches for airlines that fly over the region.
As of Thursday, Iranian and Kuwaiti airspace remain closed to commercial air traffic.
The United Arab Emirates and Qatar, which like Kuwait have been targeted in Iranian missile and drone attacks, resumed limited flight operations in March.
U.S. airlines paused flights to Israel when the fighting began; it is not clear if the full reopening of Ben Gurion will prompt them to restore service in the near term. On March 28, Delta said it has suspended service from New York-JFK and Atlanta to Tel Aviv through Sept. 5. A planned connection from Boston, originally set to launch in October, was “delayed until further notice.”
While the U.S., Israel, and Iran have agreed in principle to stop attacks, both sides have been accused of violating this week’s ceasefire, and flights could be grounded once again if negotiations break down.
