Preparing to attack: Iran closes its airspace

Iran has announced a temporary closure of its entire airspace on August 7 and 8, 2024, citing planned military exercises. The exercises will reportedly include testing of long-range aerial missile fire.

According to a notice issued to airlines today (Tuesday), the airspace will be closed during the following times:

- August 7: 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM local time (11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Israel time)

- August 8: 4:30 AM to 7:30 AM local time (4:00 AM to 7:00 AM Israel time)

This announcement expands on a previous advisory issued Monday, which had called for aircraft to alter their routes in specific regions of western, southern, and northern Iran. The new notice extends the closure to the entire Iranian airspace.

Airlines operating in the region have been advised to adjust their flight schedules accordingly during these periods.

The Iranian authorities have described these closures as necessary for conducting military exercises, specifically mentioning the testing of long-range aerial missiles.

This development comes amid heightened tensions in the region, though Iranian officials have not linked the exercises to any specific external events.

International aviation authorities and neighboring countries are closely monitoring the situation.