United, American, and Delta Suspend Middle East Flights in Emergency Move

Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, major U.S. airlines have suspended several international routes in what amounts to an emergency response to regional instability.

The Independent reported that United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines have each halted flights to key destinations in the region as violence intensifies between Israel and Iran.

United Airlines announced it is suspending its daily route between Newark Liberty International Airport and Dubai "due to conflict in the region." The airline did not confirm when service would resume but said it would reassess when conditions improve.

American Airlines also paused its Philadelphia to Doha, Qatar route through at least June 22, noting that safety remains the priority. "We will continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind," the airline told media outlets.

Delta, meanwhile, suspended service between New York’s JFK and Tel Aviv last week. That decision remains in place until at least August 31.

The suspensions follow a wave of violence sparked by Israel's military campaign against Iranian nuclear and military targets. In response, Iran has launched a series of retaliatory missile strikes, prompting several nations to shut down airspace over Israel, Iran, Jordan, and Iraq.

Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel remains closed, and the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for both Israel and Iran, citing the risks of armed conflict, terrorism, and civil unrest.

Dubai and Doha are two of the busiest transit hubs connecting the Middle East to the United States, Europe, and Asia. The airline shutdowns mark a serious disruption to global travel at a moment when tensions continue to escalate.

With airspace closures and international evacuations underway, U.S. citizens in Israel have been advised to make preparations to leave. The State Department has organized some cruise ship evacuations and continues to explore other options for assisting Americans abroad.

As the situation develops, airlines are urging travelers to check their flight status frequently and remain flexible as further changes could follow.

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