Israel-Hamas Conflict: As War Drums Beat In The Middle East, Airlines Halt Services To Tehran, Beirut, Tel Aviv

Concerns over escalating tensions in the Middle East have led several international airlines to suspend flights to the region, including Air India, which announced an indefinite halt to its services to and from Tel Aviv.

On Friday, Air India announced that the suspension is effective immediately due to heightened tensions in the Middle East stemming from the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.

Middle East

“In light of the current situation in parts of the Middle East, we have suspended our flights to and from Tel Aviv with immediate effect,” the airline said in a statement on X. This decision follows a series of heightened tensions in the region, particularly after the assassination of key leaders from militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah, which has raised fears of a broader conflict.

Other airlines have also adjusted their flight schedules in response to the situation. Air France has extended its suspension of flights between Paris and Beirut until August 11, while Delta Airlines has suspended flights between New York and Tel Aviv until August 31.

The Algerian airline temporarily suspended flights to and from Lebanon until further notice. A German airline has announced it will avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace and suspend flights to various Middle Eastern destinations, including Tel Aviv, Tehran, and Beirut, through August 13. Singapore Airlines has also altered its routes to avoid flying over Iranian airspace.

The mass suspension of flights comes as tensions between Israel and Iran escalate following the killing of a top Hamas leader in Tehran amid the ongoing Gaza war. Iran has blamed Israel for the attack and vowed a strong response. Hezbollah, Hamas, Iran and others vowed retaliation for Haniyeh killings, sending fears of a regional war soaring and triggering intensive efforts to halt the cycle of violence.

Russia NOTAM

As tensions escalate in the Middle East, Iran’s ally Russia also issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) prohibiting flights from departing Russian airports to Israeli airports during nighttime hours. This restriction, effective from August 9 to at least August 16, may be extended further as Tehran prepares for a potential attack on Israel.

Amid anticipated Iranian attack, leaders of the US, Egypt and Qatar on Thursday called on Israel and Hamas to meet for negotiations on Aug. 15 to finalise a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal. The three countries, which have been trying to mediate a deal, said in a joint statement the talks could take place in either Doha or Cairo.

“A framework agreement is now on the table with only the details of implementation left to conclude,” they said. “There is no further time to waste nor excuses from any party for further delay. It is time to release the hostages, begin the ceasefire, and implement this agreement.” The leaders also offered to present “a final bridging proposal” resolving the remaining issues.

Gaza Deal Disagreement

Only four or five areas of disagreement over implementation remained to be resolved between the two opponents, The Associated Press reported, citing a senior US official. The official cited the timing of a planned swap of Palestinian detainees held by Israel, and hostages held by Hamas, as an example.

Egypt, the US and Qatar said they have a proposal ready to present at next week’s talks to resolve the remaining issues. Meanwhile, critics of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accuse him of slow-rolling talks to end the war in Gaza, which began Oct. 7 when Hamas killed about 1,200 people in Israel. Israel’s offensive in Gaza since then has killed nearly 40,000 people, according to Palestinian agencies.

Last week’s killing of its top political leader in Tehran raised tensions across the region, an escalation widely seen as a blow to cease-fire talks. The killing was widely ascribed to Israel, although Israel has not commented. US officials have said they believe Hamas can resume negotiations despite the July 31 assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, who had been presiding over the talks for Hamas.

(With agency inputs)