What’s it about?
Airlines have been canceling flights to Israel, citing Iranian threats, despite the country’s renowned air defenses. A recent pro-Iranian al-Mayadeen media report has raised suspicions about whether this is a part of a broader strategy by Iran and its proxies.
Why it matters
Israel boasts some of the most advanced air defenses in the world, and its skies are widely considered safe. The pullback from airlines sparks questions about the motivations behind these cancellations and the implications for Israel’s connectivity and economy. Highlighting this issue could signify a new war strategy from Iranian proxies aimed at isolating Israel.
Long-term cancellations raise concerns
Airline cancellations began following various threats and incidents, such as the Hamas attack in October 2023 and subsequent Iranian threats in 2024. What started as temporary disruptions have now extended, with some airlines canceling flights through March 2025.
Beyond technical explanations
Though a recent missile attack occurred in April, the skies over Israel remain secure due to the nation’s sophisticated defense systems. Hence, the extended and wide-ranging flight cancellations seem ungrounded purely in safety concerns and catch the attention of Western media and U.S. politicians, raising broader geopolitical questions.
Scale of the impact
According to al-Mayadeen, airlines have issued mass cancellations, impacting as many as 15 European destinations and more. EasyJet and Cathay Pacific are among those suspending flights until March 2025, while Air India, Air Canada, American Airlines, and others have extended their cancellations. The broad coverage of this disruption highlights how deep-seated and widespread the issue has grown.
Strategic implications
Iran’s influence in this matter is significant, with proxies like Hezbollah likely leveraging these cancellations as an accomplishment in their ongoing conflict with Israel. By focusing on the impact on air connectivity, these actors seem to be targeting Israel’s broader integration into the global economy and its accessibility.
Immediate actions
Israeli authorities and allies must navigate these geopolitical complexities while ensuring that international aviation understands the true safety and stability of Israel’s skies. The media attention demands a clear response to counteract the misinformation potentially being sown by hostile states and their proxies.
This story was first published on jpost.com.