Emirates Airlines Announces Cancellation Of Its Flights To And From Iran On October 8

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets after Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, October 1, 2024 (Reuters)

Neighbouring countries have closed their airspace and airline crews are navigating alternative routes to avoid the escalating conflict.

Amid escalating tensions in the West Asia region, Emirates Airlines has announced the cancellation of its flights to and from Iran on October 8.

This comes as several airlines operating in the Gulf have adjusted their flight routes to ensure passenger safety following Iran’s attack on Israel and an anticipated reply from Tel Aviv. Neighbouring countries have closed their airspace and airline crews are navigating alternative routes to avoid the escalating conflict.

Israel ramped up its ground offensive against Hezbollah along Lebanon’s southern coast on Tuesday, after deploying more troops in the country and urging civilians living near the Mediterranean to evacuate. The military’s announcement followed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pledge to keep fighting a “sacred war” until Israel’s enemies are defeated.

Both groups have vowed no let-up in the multi-front conflict. Israel expanded its military operations in Lebanon last month after Hezbollah opened a front in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas, following the deadliest attack in its history on October 7, 2023. While battling Hamas in Gaza, Israel has also focused on securing its northern border to allow tens of thousands of displaced Israelis to return home.

Israel launched a wave of strikes against Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon on September 23, leaving at least 1,110 people dead since then and forcing more than a million people to flee their homes. Israeli operations have for the most part focused on areas in the south and east of Lebanon, traditional strongholds of Hezbollah, as well as the Iran-backed group’s main bastion in south Beirut.

(With agency inputs)