Air travel on hold: Security situation in the Middle East escalates!

Air travel on hold: Security situation in the Middle East escalates!

The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran is having a serious impact on international air traffic and travel options in the region. Airspace over the Middle East had to be closed due to intense attacks by Israeli forces on Iranian targets. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described these attacks as an “opening strike” and continues the offensive strategy. As a result, numerous international flight connections, especially towards Asia and Africa, are affected. Airlines such as the Lufthansa Group have canceled all flights to Tehran and Tel Aviv until at least the end of July 2025, and connections to Amman, Erbil and Beirut are also suspended. Travelers are advised to monitor the situation regularly, especially for flights with connecting flights in the region.

The current situation also leads to diversions. Many long-haul flights have to make refueling stops or arrive late due to temporary airspace closures over Iran, Iraq and Jordan. Despite these challenges, there are currently no travel warnings for popular holiday destinations such as Turkey and Cyprus. These countries are considered travelable, although travelers are advised not to visit certain border areas, such as the provinces of Şanlıurfa and Mardin on the border with Syria or Sırnak and Hakkâri.

Travel advice and security situation

The Foreign Office is informing about a “tightened security situation” in Cyprus, which is about 250 kilometers from Israel. There are reports of nighttime activities, such as Iranian attacks and Israeli missile defense responses, that can be observed by people along the southern coasts. To ensure the safety of the population and tourists, the Cypriot government has launched the “SafeCY” app. This allows users to find the nearest shelter and provides instructions on what to do in an emergency. Cyprus has around 2,200 shelters that are also open to tourists.

For travelers who have already booked package holidays, cancellation is not possible without a formal travel warning. However, it is possible to contact the tour operator if you are unsure, and it is important to check the information from the Foreign Office and the flight status via the respective airlines or booking portals. In the event of flight changes or cancellations, passengers are entitled to a refund of the ticket price in accordance with the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation.

Advice for travelers

Experts recommend following specific steps in times of crisis: Find out about current travel warnings, document relevant incidents and react quickly to developments. The right to compensation often depends on the individual case. This includes contacting the tour operator for package tours or the airline if flights are canceled. It is important that wars or armed conflicts are considered exceptional circumstances, which generally precludes flat-rate compensation.

Travelers to Cyprus and Turkey should stay informed about the local situation and be prepared to adjust their plans if necessary. Security awareness is essential in the current geopolitical situation.