Istanbul – In response to escalating tensions in the Middle East, all scheduled flights from Istanbul to Iraq, Iran, and Jordan on Wednesday have been canceled, as reported by Turkey's state-run Anadolu agency.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the cancellations were a precaution following Iran's missile attacks on Israel, which occurred Tuesday night. Anadolu stated that many airlines had to redirect their flights originally bound for these countries to either of Istanbul's two international airports—Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Additionally, several foreign airlines facing fuel shortages also diverted their flights to Istanbul.

The missile attack by Iran, involving about 180 ballistic missiles, was said by Tehran to be in retaliation for Israel's alleged assassinations of key figures from Hamas, Hezbollah, and the senior IRGC commander, as well as for Israel's continued aggression against Lebanese and Palestinian people with support from the U.S.

Following a late Tuesday assessment, Israel and the neighboring countries of Jordan and Iraq had reopened their airspace. However, Iran extended the cancellation of all flights until Thursday morning, citing ongoing security concerns.