Israel’s overnight “preemptive strikes” on Iran early Friday have led to major disruptions in international air traffic across the Middle East, as commercial airlines quickly diverted routes to avoid the affected region. The strikes, which targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, missile infrastructure, and key military personnel, marked one of the most intense escalations between the two longtime adversaries in decades.As air-raid sirens sounded in parts of Israel and explosions were reported near Tehran, real-time data from flight tracking service Flightradar24 showed a rapid clearance of civilian aircraft from the region’s skies.A time-lapse video circulated online illustrating how aircraft were forced to abandon Middle East airspace as the Israeli operation commenced.The disruption is expected to have a ripple effect on international aviation, with longer flight durations, rerouted paths, and increased fuel costs likely for carriers operating across the Middle East and Asia. Emirates airline confirmed that multiple flights to and from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iran had been cancelled. The airline’s website listed cancellations for several Friday flights, as well as a Tehran-bound flight scheduled for Saturday.Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, issued a statement acknowledging delays and cancellations at both DXB and DWC, Al Maktoum International, citing “airspace closures over Iran, Iraq, and Syria.”The Israeli strikes conducted under, Operation Rising Lion hit multiple strategic sites across Iran, including its main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz. Black smoke was seen rising from the area, and Iranian state media confirmed damage at multiple locations. Two senior Iranian military commanders were reported killed in the strikes, according to regional sources.In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed “severe punishment,” warning Israel of impending retaliation. Hours later, the Israeli military said it had begun intercepting Iranian drones launched in reprisal, though these interceptions were taking place outside of Israeli airspace. Details of the counterattacks remain limited.The attack represents the most serious military confrontation Iran has faced since the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s and heightens fears of a broader regional conflict, especially with Tehran’s nuclear program continuing to advance despite years of international pressure.Global airlines are now bracing for further disruptions, while diplomatic channels remain tense. The United States has publicly denied involvement in the Israeli strike, though President Donald Trump has acknowledged receiving advance notice.