Jordan Suspends Airspace Amid Regional Tensions

In light of the recent attack by Israel on Iran, Jordan, Iran and Iraq have now closed their airspace and Israel has closed Ben Gurion International airport.

The closures are affecting travel to the region as hundreds of flights have been cancelled or are diverting towards Saudi Arabia and Egypt. According to Eurocontrol, about 1800 flights from Europe have been affected. The airspace is further complicated by the Ukraine and Russia war, which has already forced diversions for airlines around the region.

Reuters is reporting that Israel on Friday said it targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders at the start of what it warned would be a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon.

The Jordanian Armed Forces has said that “Royal Jordanian Air Force aircraft and air defense systems intercepted a number of missiles and drones that entered Jordanian airspace Friday. The source indicated that the Royal Jordanian Air Force aircraft are operating at a high level of readiness to protect the skies of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and maintain the security and safety of the nation and its citizens.”

*Travel Market Report Canada has reached out to the Jordan Tourism board for comment.