Iran War Panic Hits Skies: Major Airlines Cancel Israel Night Flights

Airlines operating to and from Israel have begun canceling overnight flights and restricting schedules to daytime hours only as escalating tensions over a possible US military strike on Iran raise concerns about potential retaliation hitting the region. The Lufthansa Group, which includes Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings, announced the immediate change starting January 15 through January 19 inclusive, citing the volatile situation in the Middle East.

A spokesperson for the group explained the reasoning behind the decision. “Due to the situation in the Middle East, the Lufthansa Group announces that flights to and from Tel Aviv will continue to operate in a daytime-only schedule, starting tomorrow, January 15, through January 19 inclusive. This change is intended to allow flight crews to return to their home bases without overnight stays in Israel. As a result of the changes, some flights may be canceled. The Lufthansa Group is closely monitoring developments and will continue to assess the situation in the coming days. Passengers affected by the changes will be automatically rebooked on alternative flights and will receive proactive notification. Alternatively, passengers may change their flight date to a later time.”

Specific cancellations have already taken effect, including Austrian Airlines’ evening flight from Vienna to Tel Aviv scheduled for tonight and ITA Airways’ flight from Rome to Tel Aviv this evening. The Lufthansa Group has also instructed its employees in Israel to prepare for departure, signaling heightened caution about the risk of rapid escalation. These measures stem from intelligence assessments and public statements indicating that President Trump may order strikes on Iran in the coming days, potentially prompting Iranian missile or drone attacks on Israeli targets or US bases in the region.

The wave of disruptions reflects broader aviation industry concerns about regional stability. Carriers are prioritizing crew safety by avoiding overnight layovers that could leave personnel stranded during sudden hostilities. Similar precautionary steps have appeared in recent days across other airlines, with reports of additional carriers adjusting or canceling services to minimize exposure. Israel’s Home Front Command remains on high alert, and the Israeli government has coordinated closely with the United States on defensive preparations, expecting advance notice of any major action. As the situation develops, travelers face ongoing uncertainty, with airlines promising rebooking options but warning of further schedule changes depending on how events unfold in the coming hours and days. The combination of diplomatic warnings, base evacuations in the Gulf, and explicit threats from Iranian officials has created an atmosphere where major carriers deem nighttime operations too risky at present.