Iran closed all airports across country amid Israeli attacks

TEHRAN: Iran has suspended all domestic and international flights across the country till further notice, officials declared on Saturday, citing security concerns following nighttime Israeli bombings.

According to the Iran Airports and Air Navigation Company, the unprecedented ban affects all airports across the country and was ordered by Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization.

The move comes after Israeli forces reportedly launched midnight strikes, raising regional tensions and pushing Iranian officials to take cautious measures to guarantee public safety, particularly for air travelers.

“All flight operations are halted across the country until further notice,” aviation authorities said. “Citizens are strongly advised to avoid going to civil airports during this time.”

No official timeline has been given for the resumption of regular air traffic.

Earlier, Iran and Israel targeted each other with missiles and airstrikes early on Saturday after Israel launched its biggest-ever air offensive against its longtime foe in a bid to prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon.

Air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel’s two largest cities, sending residents rushing into shelters as successive waves of Iranian missiles streaked across the skies. The military said its air defence systems were operating.