Global airlines are cancelling or rerouting flights and governments are issuing heightened travel advisories due to rising tensions between Israel and Iran.
Following Israel’s reported strike on nuclear facilities in Tehran, the airspace over Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan was closed amid expectations of a retaliatory response from Iran.
In Israel, Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport is closed until further notice, while national carrier El Al has suspended all flights to and from the country.
Emirates has cancelled flights to and from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iran for both Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14. Qatar Airways has also temporarily suspended operations to Iran and Iraq. In addition, several airports in both countries – including Tehran and Baghdad – have halted operations.
Air India said that twelve of its flights were diverted or returned to their points of origin “due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers”. The affected routes include flights from New York, London, Vancouver, and Washington.
German airline Lufthansa has suspended its flights to Tehran until further notice and has instructed pilots to avoid flying over Iranian, Iraqi, and Israeli airspace.
Greece’s national carrier AEGEAN cancelled its flights to and from Tel Aviv on June 13, including flights A3924, A3925, A3926, A3927, A3526, and A3527.
Greece warns citizens in Iran and Israel to be cautious
The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued updated guidance for Greek nationals in Israel and Iran.
Greek citizens in Israel are advised to remain close to shelters and to follow instructions from local authorities.
For assistance, the ministry has activated its Crisis Management Unit, reachable at (+30) 210-3681350 and (+30) 210-3681730.
The Greek Embassy in Tel Aviv is also urging citizens to register their personal details via the designated online form here. In case of emergency, they may contact the embassy at +972 546817282.
For Greek citizens in Iran, the ministry advises against non-essential travel and urges them to follow the guidance of local authorities. The Embassy of Greece in Tehran can be contacted by phone at +0098 910 272 6477 or via email at gremb.teh@mfa.gr.
Governments worldwide issue travel advisories
Photo source: Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
In response to the escalating situation, the United States and United Kingdom have updated travel advisories, warning against travel to high-risk areas across the region.
The U.S. State Department encourages travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time alerts. It also recommends preparing an emergency plan and reviewing its Traveler’s Checklist.
The UK government is advising against all but essential travel to Iran, Syria, Israel, Gaza, and Afghanistan.
Other countries – including China, Australia, India, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Canada, and Russia – have issued similar warnings, urging citizens to avoid travel to the region or shelter in place if already there, citing the risk of rocket, drone, or missile strikes.
Greek Travel Pages will continue to monitor the situation and provide timely updates.
Follow GTP Headlines on Google News to keep up to date with all the latest on tourism and travel in Greece.
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