US Joins UK, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, and Others in Facing Severe Flight Delays to Asia and Middle East Due to Iran Airspace Closure, with Multiple Flight Cancellations and Rerouting Significantly Hammering Air Travel

In January 2026, the United States has joined the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, and other countries in experiencing severe flight delays to Asia and the Middle East due to the ongoing closure of Iranian airspace. This disruption, triggered by geopolitical tensions, has led to widespread flight cancellations and rerouting, significantly hammering air travel. Major international airlines, including those from the U.S., are being forced to adjust flight paths to avoid the Tehran Flight Information Region (FIR), resulting in longer flight durations and considerable delays. The situation has been exacerbated by the unpredictability of the airspace closure, which has forced airlines to make last-minute adjustments to ensure safety, adding strain to already busy international travel routes.

Iran Airspace Closure: A Volatile Skies Scenario Amid Regional Tension

Iran’s airspace has become one of the most unpredictable and sensitive in the world as of January 2026, with sudden closures and reopenings closely tied to geopolitical tensions and internal unrest. The Tehran Flight Information Region (OIIX) briefly shut down for most civilian flights between January 14–15, issuing a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) that restricted overflights except for those with special prior permission from Iran’s Civil Aviation Organisation. This unexpected blackout lasted nearly five hours, forcing airlines around the globe to reroute flights, cancel services, or extend travel times while the closure was in effect.

United States: Significant Delays Due to Iranian Airspace Closure

The United States has been heavily impacted by the ongoing closure of Iranian airspace, with major routes facing substantial delays. As of January 2026, the closure of the Tehran FIR (Flight Information Region) has forced U.S. carriers to reroute or cancel flights, particularly those transiting the Middle East. Routes from New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco to India and Southeast Asia are facing delays of up to 180 minutes due to diversions that circumvent Iranian airspace.

One of the major concerns for U.S. airlines, including Air India, is the added weight of fuel needed for these detours, making it impossible for some flights to operate directly. This has led to cancellations, particularly from major hubs like JFK and Newark. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has maintained its prohibition on U.S. carriers entering Tehran’s FIR due to the risk of anti-aviation weaponry and missile activities. Airlines are also concerned about potential misidentification of commercial aircraft, echoing the tragic PS752 incident in 2020. With the risk level remaining “Elevated,” travelers can expect continued disruptions as airlines seek alternative routes and longer flight durations.

United Kingdom: Gulf & India Flights Affected by Rerouted Airspace

The United Kingdom is facing its own challenges with the closure of Iranian airspace, leading to significant disruptions for flights heading to the Gulf region and India. Major routes from London to destinations like Bahrain, Dubai, and Mumbai have been rerouted or delayed due to the Tehran FIR closure. British Airways, a key operator in the region, has canceled all flights to Bahrain through January 16, 2026, and is using alternative routes via Turkey. These rerouted flights typically experience delays of 60 to 120 minutes, as airspace diversions add to travel time.

The situation is compounded by the unpredictability of Iranian airspace closures, as major international airlines are forced to avoid flying over the “risk zone.” The re-routing of these high-demand routes further delays travel times, while the use of northern or southern corridors, such as the path through Turkey or Egypt, adds significant travel time to passengers’ journeys. Travelers from the UK heading to India, the Gulf states, and Southeast Asia should expect longer flight durations as these diversions remain necessary for safety reasons.

Germany: Lufthansa and Major Airlines Avoid Tehran FIR

Germany has seen significant disruptions in air travel due to the ongoing closure of Iranian airspace. Lufthansa, the flagship carrier, has been one of the most affected, particularly on routes connecting Frankfurt and Munich to the Middle East and Asia. These flights are now being rerouted, typically via Turkey or other regional airspace, resulting in delays of 60 to 100 minutes. Lufthansa has also restricted operations in Tehran FIR, focusing on regional flights during daylight hours to mitigate the risk of encountering sudden airspace closures.

These measures are in line with broader European aviation strategies, as other major European airlines such as SWISS are avoiding Iranian and Iraqi airspace altogether. Lufthansa, alongside other German carriers, is prioritizing flight safety in light of the ongoing tensions in the region. The airline’s operational adjustments continue to impact passenger travel times, adding substantial delays as long-distance flights are forced to divert. The situation remains fluid, with airlines closely monitoring the risk level, which is still considered “Elevated.”

France: Air France Takes Northern and Southern Detours

France is also facing significant delays due to the closure of Iranian airspace, especially on routes from Paris to Southeast Asia, India, and Vietnam. Air France has been adjusting its flight routes to avoid the Tehran FIR, using northern corridors over Central Asia or southern paths via Egypt. These alternative routes are leading to delays of 50 to 90 minutes on average. While these detours are necessary for safety, they add substantial time to flight durations and contribute to overall travel disruptions for passengers.

Air France has been closely monitoring the situation, adhering to global aviation safety guidelines, and adjusting its operations in response to the ongoing tensions in the region. The rerouting is particularly evident for long-haul flights, with the airline working to minimize the impact of the airspace closures on its passengers. Travelers flying from Paris to destinations like Singapore, Vietnam, and India should expect to experience longer travel times and possible rescheduling due to the need for alternate flight paths.

Italy: ITA Airways Diverts South to Avoid “Risk Zone”

Italy is seeing delays on several key routes due to the Iranian airspace closures. ITA Airways and Neos, two of the country’s main carriers, have implemented significant route changes for flights from Rome and Milan to the Gulf States. These flights, which typically transit over Iranian airspace, are now being rerouted south over Saudi Arabia, avoiding the “risk zone” in the Middle East. This detour is leading to delays of 40 to 70 minutes, as the new routes are longer and require more fuel for the journey.

The re-routing is part of Italy’s strategy to ensure the safety of its airlines and passengers amidst the elevated risk of airspace closures. While the detours are necessary for passenger safety, they add extra time to travel, making long-haul flights even longer. As the situation evolves, passengers traveling to destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Gulf states should prepare for extended flight durations, as these diversions are expected to continue until the situation in Iranian airspace stabilizes.

Switzerland: SWISS Follows Lufthansa Group Protocols

Switzerland is also experiencing travel disruptions due to the Iranian airspace closure, with SWISS being one of the most affected airlines. Like Lufthansa, SWISS is following the Lufthansa Group’s protocols, which include avoiding both Iranian and Iraqi airspace altogether. These precautionary measures are in place to ensure the safety of passengers flying to destinations such as India and Thailand. Flights are being rerouted, typically via safer airspace, leading to delays of 60 to 90 minutes on average.

SWISS has been rerouting its long-haul flights to Asia, avoiding the “risk zone” in the Middle East. These route adjustments are necessary to comply with international aviation safety guidelines, although they add significant travel time. Passengers traveling on these flights should expect longer durations as the airline continues to prioritize safety and adjust its routes based on the ongoing geopolitical situation in the region.

What to Do: Stay Informed and Confirm Your Travel Plans

If you’re planning to fly in or around regions affected by airspace closures, like Iran, it’s crucial to stay informed and confirm your travel plans before departure. Given the unpredictable nature of airspace disruptions and the rapidly changing geopolitical situation, always check official airline websites for the latest updates on flight statuses. Airlines often provide real-time flight tracking, detour information, and any changes to scheduled services, which can help you avoid significant disruptions. Additionally, many airlines offer customer service lines or mobile apps where you can directly inquire about any potential cancellations, delays, or rerouted flights. It’s also a good idea to subscribe to airline notifications, so you’re alerted to any changes that might affect your journey. In times of heightened risk or uncertainty, such as the recent airspace closures in Iran, ensuring your travel route and timings are aligned with the latest official information can help minimize delays and avoid unnecessary stress. Always confirm your plans with the airline before heading to the airport to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date travel information.

In January 2026, the US joined the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, and others in facing severe flight delays to Asia and the Middle East due to Iran’s airspace closure, with rerouting and cancellations severely impacting air travel.

Conclusion

The US has joined the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, and other countries in facing significant disruptions due to the closure of Iran’s airspace. The resulting severe flight delays to Asia and the Middle East, coupled with flight cancellations and rerouting, have severely impacted air travel. As airlines continue to adjust routes to ensure safety, the unpredictable nature of the situation highlights the ongoing challenges for international travel, leaving passengers with longer wait times and more complicated journeys. This ongoing disruption serves as a reminder of the critical role airspace stability plays in global aviation.

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