Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon have each announced the closure of their airspace on Tuesday evening in response to escalating tensions following an Iranian missile attack on Israel. The move comes after a series of missile strikes by Iran, which followed the assassination of key figures linked to the conflict.
In statements released by the Jordanian Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission, Iraq’s Ministry of Transport, and Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the countries emphasised that the decision was made to ensure the safety of flights and passengers.
Jordan’s Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission confirmed that the Kingdom had temporarily closed the airspace to all flights, including those incoming, outgoing, and transiting, due to the heightened risks in the region. Hytham Mesto, head of the Commission, noted that the closure would be subject to further review based on developments.
Similarly, Iraq’s Minister of Transport, Razzaq Muhaybis Al-Saadawi, announced the closure of Iraqi airspace “to ensure the safety of air navigation and transiting aircraft.”
Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport also issued a temporary airspace closure for two hours, with a reassessment planned afterward.
The decision follows Iran’s retaliation, launching around 200 missiles at Israel after the assassination of high-profile figures including Ismail Haniyeh and Hassan Nasrallah. Israel had conducted an airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs on September 27, targeting Nasrallah and others, which intensified the conflict in the region.