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Major international carriers abruptly cancelled dozens of flights to Israel and Gulf destinations on January 23, grounding routes as Türkiye's foreign minister warned that Israel continues seeking opportunities to strike Iran.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Swiss International Air Lines all suspended operations to Tel Aviv, with some carriers also halting service to Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The cancellations began late Thursday evening GMT and extended through the weekend, affecting travelers across Europe and North America.
Air Canada cancelled four flights scheduled to land in Israel on Friday, while United Airlines similarly suspended its services to the country. The coordinated nature of the disruptions suggested airlines were responding to shared intelligence assessments about regional security risks.
Speaking to Turkish broadcaster NTV on Friday, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan cautioned that Israel maintains its intent to launch military action against Tehran despite potential consequences for regional security.
"I hope they find a different path, but the reality is that Israel, in particular, is looking for an opportunity to strike Iran," Fidan said. When asked whether this assessment applied to both the United States and Israel, Fidan clarified that Israel specifically was seeking such an opportunity.
The comments come as Ankara seeks to play a more direct military and diplomatic role across the Middle East as tensions between Israel and Iran escalate through proxy conflicts and direct confrontations.
Ben Gurion Airport in Israel saw all international operations grounded until at least Friday morning, according to reports from the facility. Israeli flag carrier El Al suspended operations indefinitely, while domestic flights within Israel were also halted.
KLM specifically cancelled its next two overnight flights to Israel and extended the suspension through Sunday, while also cutting routes to Dubai and Saudi Arabian destinations. Air France cancelled two incoming flights to Dubai along with its Tel Aviv services, citing heightened regional tensions. British Airways cancelled its evening flight to Dubai.
The Lufthansa Group, which includes Swiss International Air Lines and Austrian Airlines, had already reduced its Israel operations to daytime-only flights in recent weeks before joining the broader suspension.
Airlines typically avoid cancelling flights without substantial cause, as the financial and operational costs are significant. The simultaneous decisions by multiple major carriers suggested access to credible threat assessments that prompted precautionary measures.
Israeli airspace was reported largely empty on Thursday evening as carriers avoided the area. One passenger traveling from Amsterdam to Tel Aviv reported their KLM flight was cancelled and noted that most European airlines were suspending service, forcing a switch to El Al before that carrier also suspended operations.
The tensions between Israel and Iran have intensified through both proxy conflicts and direct military confrontations in recent years. Iran provides backing to Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, while Israel has conducted strikes against Iranian-linked targets throughout the Middle East.
The situation remained fluid Friday, with airlines indicating they would reassess conditions before determining when to resume regular service to the affected destinations.
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