Iran shut its airspace until further notice after Israel carried out airstrikes on multiple targets across the country, including the capital.
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.
Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport was closed until further notice, and Israel’s air defence units stood at high alert for possible retaliatory strikes from Iran.
Israeli flag carrier El Al Airlines said it had suspended flights to and from Israel.
Iranian airspace has been closed until further notice, state media reported.
As reports of strikes on Iran emerged, a number of commercial flights by airlines including Dubai’s Emirates, Lufthansa and Air India were flying over Iran.
Iraq early on Friday closed its airspace and suspended all traffic at its airports, Iraqi state media reported.
UPDATE #1
Jordan has closed its airspace.
UPDATE #2
Israeli military says Iran has launched over 100 drones at Israel in past few hours.
UPDATE #3
Israeli military spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Deffrin said that some 200 Israeli fighter jets participated in the operation, striking some 100 targets.
UPDATE #4
Both Air India #AI193 and #AI101 to New York JFK were over Iran during Israel’s airstrikes.
