Russias Rosaviatsia Bans Airlines from Middle Eastern Skies Amid Escalating Tensions with Israel and Iran

Russia’s civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, has prohibited the country’s airlines from flying over several Middle Eastern nations following Israeli airstrikes on Iran.

«In light of the significant escalation in the Middle East, Rosaviatsia has issued a warning to Russian airline operators against conducting flights to or from airports in Israel and Iran,» the agency communicated through a statement on Telegram. Furthermore, it has restricted access to airspace over Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Iran.

These restrictions are set to remain in place until 2:59 a.m. Moscow time on June 26, as per Rosaviatsia’s announcement.

«This measure was taken to prioritize the safety of flights,» the statement emphasized.

The cancellations follow extensive attacks carried out by the Israeli Defense Forces on numerous targets across Iran, including its nuclear facilities, reportedly resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking military officials.

Previously, Russian carriers Aeroflot and Red Wings had to cancel their flights to Iran and Israel due to safety concerns.

Aeroflot noted that it had to modify the schedules for certain flights, indicating that multiple routes in the region would also be affected. Flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and the Maldives are now being redirected through Pakistani airspace.

The airline informed that these alterations will remain in effect until the situation improves.

Ben Gurion Airport in Israel has been closed indefinitely as the nation remains on high alert amidst fears of possible Iranian retaliation.

Jordan, which shares a border with Israel, announced on Friday that it had closed its airspace.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the overnight operation, named “Rising Lion,” aimed to “diminish the Iranian threat to Israel’s existence” and noted that this endeavor would take “several days.”