Central Asian airlines shift flight paths to dodge Iranian airspace

Kazakhstan’s Aviation Administration has ordered all domestic airlines to avoid Iranian airspace until further notice. The decision was made due to the current situation in Iran and is intended to ensure flight safety, according to the press service of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport.

Airlines rerouted on Middle East flights

The directive has been issued to Kazakh carriers Air Astana, FlyArystan and SCAT. Flights to destinations including Dubai, Sharm el-Sheikh, Jeddah, Doha and Medina are currently operating on alternative routes.

According to the ministry, aircraft are bypassing Iran through the airspace of Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Tensions linked to unrest in Iran

The flight restrictions were introduced amid reports of potential U.S. military action involving Iran. Reuters has reported that U.S. President Donald Trump is considering a range of options as protests continue in the country.