Israel, Iran close airspace for flights after strike on Tehran

Israel and Iran have closed their airspace following airstrikes on Tehran by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. On Saturday, Israel’s transport ministry announced the airspace closure due to safety concerns and advised citizens to avoid airports. They stated that passengers would receive updates 24 hours before flights could restart. In response to the strikes, the Iranian government also shut its airspace, according to AP. Tensions between the US and Iran continue to be high, as both sides are in discussions to prevent US military actions against Iran. Despite the US indicating a willingness for more diplomacy, President Donald Trump has built up significant military presence in the Middle East, including sending a second aircraft carrier to the waters near Israel. Last year, an Iranian attack on the largest US military base in the region led to Qatar and neighboring countries closing their airspace, which caused major disruptions for international airlines. Many travelers were stranded in the area, resulting in chaos at Doha airport. Over the past two years, large parts of the Middle East have seen airspace restrictions, forcing airlines to cancel flights on lucrative routes, increase fuel costs, and reroute through countries they typically avoid, such as Afghanistan, to steer clear of hazardous airspace.