Sun Jun 22 08:48:25 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Following US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, airlines are rerouting flights to avoid airspace over Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Israel, leading to longer flight times and increased costs. This comes amid heightened regional tensions and previous airspace restrictions due to missile exchanges. Several airlines, including El Al, Arkia, and Israir, have suspended flights to and from Israel, and Israel’s airspace is closed. Thousands are stranded abroad, while tourists in Israel seek to leave. Some countries, like Japan and New Zealand, are evacuating their citizens from the region.

**News Article:**

**Airlines Reroute Flights as US Strikes on Iran Trigger Airspace Concerns**

**June 22, 2025 (The Hindu) -** Airlines are continuing to avoid large swaths of Middle Eastern airspace following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, according to flight tracking data and industry reports. The move, which adds fuel and crew costs, also increases flight times.

Commercial air traffic patterns are shifting north via the Caspian Sea or south through Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The website FlightRadar24 confirmed that the rerouting is consistent with airspace restrictions implemented last week. Airlines have been closely monitoring escalating geopolitical tensions in the region, with missile and drone activity posing significant risks to civil aviation.

“While there have been no specific threats made against civil aviation, Iran has previously warned it would retaliate by attacking US military interests in the Middle East — either directly or via proxies such as Hezbollah, Safe Airspace said.”

Israeli airlines, including El Al, Arkia, and Israir, have suspended rescue and scheduled flights. Israel’s airports authority said the country’s airspace was closed for all flights. Tens of thousands of Israelis are stranded abroad.

Other countries are taking steps to ensure the safety of their citizens. Japan has already evacuated 21 people from Iran to Azerbaijan. New Zealand will deploy a military transport plane to the region to assist in potential evacuations.

The situation remains fluid, and airlines and governments are urging caution and monitoring developments closely.

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