On Wednesday, Egypt’s Civil Aviation Ministry directed its airlines to avoid Iranian airspace for a three-hour period on Thursday. This measure follows a notification from Tehran about upcoming military exercises. The restriction will be in place from 4:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, with a similar restriction also in effect for three hours on Wednesday.
This advisory is issued amid increased regional tensions after the assassination of a Hamas leader in Tehran last week. The notice from Iran affects all commercial airlines, and Egypt’s ministry confirmed it aims to mitigate flight safety risks.
Read more: Airlines Suspend Middle East Flights as Iran-Israel Conflict Threatens to Escalate
In response to escalating regional conflict fears, Britain has also advised its airlines to steer clear of Lebanese airspace. Many global airlines are adjusting their routes to avoid Iranian and Lebanese airspace and suspending flights to Israel and Lebanon.
Following the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in Ukraine a decade ago, airlines are particularly cautious about flying through conflict zones.
U.S.-based United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have suspended flights to Tel Aviv, while British carriers are not currently flying to Lebanon.
Singapore Airlines has opted for alternative routes to bypass Iranian airspace, and Egyptian airlines are already avoiding Iran as per the new directive.
