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Israel, Iran and Iraq have closed their airspace following Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's airstrikes on Tehran. This comes amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran, even as Donald Trump continues to build up military presence in the region.
Airports in Israel, Iran and Iraq have been impacted as the countries have closed their airspace following Israel's airstrikes on Tehran, Bloomberg reported today.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government said the strikes are “preventive”, it added. This comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, even as President Donald Trump continues to build up military presence in the region.
Over the past two years, airspaces over the middle east have been shut down several times amid escalating tension and attacks in the region, the report noted. In order to avoid crossfire, airlines have been forced to cancel profitable routes and spend more on jet fuel as they divert services to more safer skies.
Israel closes airspace
According to the Bloomberg report, Israel’s ministry of transport informed that it has closed its airspace on Saturday (28 February) after security developments and asked citizens to stay away from airports.
It added that it will alert passengers 24 hours before flights can resume.
Iran shuts down airspace amid strikes from Israel
AP reported that the Iranian government has also shut down its airspace following the attacks.
The strikes come even as tensions between the US and Iran are at all-time high. The two countries have been engaged in talks, and while both sides say talks are ongoing, Trump has built up a heavy armada to the middle east, including a second wave of aircraft carrier to Israeli waters.
Iraq shuts airspace as Israel launches strike on Iran
A Reuters report added that the Iraq transport ministry on Saturday said that it has also closed its national airspace after Israel's “pre-emptive attack” against Iran.
The Bloomberg report further noted that a similar situation occurred last year, after Israel struck Qatar and the surrounding countries closed down their airspace, creating havoc for international airlines. Tens of thousands of passengers in the region were stranded, throwing operations at Doha airport into chaos.
Middle east crisis: What we know so far…
AFP cited multiple local US news sites to report that the US has joined in on the strikes on Iran. It added that the Pentagon did not immediately respond tos queries.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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