Iran Airspace Blackout Forces Global Airlines to Reroute Flights

Iran temporarily closed its national airspace for nearly five hours on January 15, 2026. This closure was amid heightened concerns about potential military action between the US and Iran. The move forced numerous commercial aviation flight reroutes, cancellations, and delays across the Middle East and Asia. The airspace was restricted to all but international flights with official permission. The closure was lifted shortly before 10 PM Eastern Time, according to tracking service Flightradar24.

Immediate Airline Operational Disruption

Several international carriers were immediately impacted by the Iran airspace temporary closure. Singapore-based budget carrier Scoot cancelled two flights. These were flights TR596 (Singapore-Jeddah) and TR597 (Jeddah-Singapore). Scoot’s parent, Singapore Airlines Group, stated the cancellations were a precautionary measure. The airlines noted they do not typically overfly Iranian airspace.

Indian carriers, which heavily rely on the Iranian corridor for westward travel, also saw disruptions. Air India international flights faced alternative routings. This led to warnings of delays and potential cancellations. India's largest airline, IndiGo, confirmed some of its international services were impacted. Air Astana, a Central Asian carrier, rerouted flights to destinations like Dubai and Doha.

Long-Haul Rerouting and Costs

Long-haul flights were particularly affected by the closure. Qantas flight QF33 from Perth to Paris was diverted. It took a longer route via Saudi Arabia and required an extra fuel stop in Rome. Such diversions can add up to 90 minutes of flying time. This significantly increases fuel burn and operational costs for airlines.

European airlines also took precautionary steps. Lufthansa announced it would bypass both Iranian and Iraqi airspace until further notice. Germany issued new guidance cautioning its airlines from entering the airspace. Carriers diverted over Central Asia or Afghanistan to reduce operational risk.

Airspace Safety and Geopolitical Risk

The temporary closure was a defensive measure. It aimed to prevent the accidental targeting of civilian aircraft. Air defense systems in the region were reportedly on high alert. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had published a notice regarding the restriction.

Safe Airspace, a risk information group, noted many carriers were already avoiding the area. The situation highlights the ongoing Middle East geopolitical tensions. Aviation experts warn that the risk of misidentification of civil traffic remains. Insurance underwriters often prohibit over-flight of conflict zones. This means wholesale route changes may persist until the security environment stabilizes. The episode underscores the critical need for robust contingency planning in global air traffic management.

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