After a tense night of escalating conflict, the skies over Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon have once again opened to civilian air traffic. This follows a temporary closure prompted by Iran’s unprecedented drone and missile strikes on Israel, which marked a significant escalation in the region’s tensions.
In Jordan, aviation authorities swiftly resumed air traffic operations earlier than anticipated, signalling a return to normalcy in the wake of heightened security concerns. Similarly, Iraq’s aviation authority declared that security risks had been successfully mitigated, allowing for the reopening of its airspace. Lebanon, too, announced the resumption of activities at its airport following an overnight closure.
Meanwhile, Israel, the primary target of Iran’s attacks, reopened its airspace as well, albeit with anticipated disruptions to flight schedules. Israeli flag carrier El Al confirmed the resumption of operations and emphasized its commitment to maintaining vital air connections despite the challenges posed by the recent events.
Late Saturday night, Iran’s offensive strikes, comprising explosive drones and missiles, directly targeted Israeli territory, marking a significant escalation in the conflict dynamics of the region. The retaliatory strike has heightened concerns about the potential for broader regional conflict, underscoring the delicate balance of power in the Middle East.