Multiple major U.S. airlines are suspending flights to parts of the Middle East as tensions escalate between Israel and Iran, leaving travelers and officials alike adjusting to rapidly changing conditions in the region.
United Airlines has temporarily suspended its nonstop service between Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and Dubai. The airline cited “conflict in the region” as the reason for the pause, but has not provided a timeline for when flights may resume. Newark is United’s only hub with direct service to Dubai.
American Airlines is also temporarily halting its route between Philadelphia International Airport and Doha, Qatar. A spokesperson told CBS News that the last flight left early Thursday morning, and the suspension is expected to continue through June 22.
Delta Air Lines took similar action last week, suspending its flights between New York’s JFK Airport and Tel Aviv, Israel. The carrier said that service will remain grounded through at least August 31.
The moves come in the face of heightened military action in the region. Israel’s major international hub, Ben Gurion Airport, is currently closed, and airspace restrictions have expanded to include Israel, Jordan, Iran and Iraq.
Meanwhile, international carriers such as Emirates, Etihad Airways and Lufthansa have also scaled back their operations in the area, according to air travel industry news outlet AviationA2Z.
Flight activity across the region has come to a standstill following Israel’s launch of “Operation Rising Lion,” a military campaign targeting Iran. Since late last week, Israeli forces have carried out airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, pointing to intelligence that suggests Iran is nearing the development of nuclear weapons.
In retaliation, Iran has launched its own wave of missile attacks. As the conflict has intensified, airspace over Israel, Jordan, Iran and Iraq has been shut down. Israel’s Ministry of Transportation has confirmed that the closures will remain in effect until further notice.
As the situation unfolds, the U.S. State Department has issued its highest-level travel advisories for both Israel and Iran. Americans are being advised not to travel to Israel due to “armed conflict, terrorism, and civil unrest,” and Iran has long held a Level 4 advisory warning due to risks including kidnapping, terrorism and wrongful detention.
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem is actively working to help American citizens leave Israel. In some cases, evacuees have been transported out of the country by cruise ship.
President Trump has called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and is reportedly considering whether to launch a military strike against Iran. According to a senior intelligence official and a source within the Defense Department, discussions are underway about the U.S. potentially joining in Israel’s ongoing air offensive. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated Thursday that the president is expected to decide on the matter within the next two weeks.
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