Spanish carriers continue to avoid Israeli airspace amid escalating Middle-East hostilities. Iberia Express has now cancelled its Madrid–Tel Aviv service until at least 28 March, while Air Europa has pulled flights through 21 March. The decision follows updated European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) guidance warning of missile-defence activity over northern Israel and southern Lebanon.
Aena told EFE that of 34 Spain–Middle East flights scheduled for 9 March, only three operated: two arrivals and one departure involving Tel Aviv and Dubai. Madrid-Barajas handled nine Middle-East movements, Barcelona-El Prat three, and Málaga none. Travellers booked on the suspended services can seek refunds or rerouting via Paris, Athens or Istanbul, although capacity is limited.
For travellers needing new transit arrangements through third-country hubs, visa requirements can change quickly. VisaHQ’s Spain portal (https://www.visahq.com/spain/) offers up-to-date guidance and expedited processing for Cyprus, Greece, Türkiye and other popular rerouting points, helping passengers and corporate travel managers avoid last-minute surprises.
![Iberia and Air Europa extend Tel Aviv suspension; only three Spain-Israel flights operated on 9 March]()
The prolonged suspension complicates corporate itineraries to Israel’s tech hubs just as Mobile World Congress follow-up meetings were due to take place in Tel Aviv. Multinationals are switching to virtual sessions or routing teams through Cyprus and then on to Israel with Arkia and El Al.
Insurance brokers remind employers to check war-risk exclusions in travel policies; some underwriters require prior approval for staff trips to Israel, Lebanon or Jordan. Duty-of-care teams should also track employee layovers in Gulf hubs, as flight paths may redirect southwards, extending duty hours and fatigue risk.
Should tensions ease, regulators say airlines must conduct new over-flight risk assessments before restarting. Even then, passengers can expect longer routings that skirt conflict zones, adding up to 60 minutes and extra fuel surcharges.
Aena told EFE that of 34 Spain–Middle East flights scheduled for 9 March, only three operated: two arrivals and one departure involving Tel Aviv and Dubai. Madrid-Barajas handled nine Middle-East movements, Barcelona-El Prat three, and Málaga none. Travellers booked on the suspended services can seek refunds or rerouting via Paris, Athens or Istanbul, although capacity is limited.
For travellers needing new transit arrangements through third-country hubs, visa requirements can change quickly. VisaHQ’s Spain portal (https://www.visahq.com/spain/) offers up-to-date guidance and expedited processing for Cyprus, Greece, Türkiye and other popular rerouting points, helping passengers and corporate travel managers avoid last-minute surprises.
The prolonged suspension complicates corporate itineraries to Israel’s tech hubs just as Mobile World Congress follow-up meetings were due to take place in Tel Aviv. Multinationals are switching to virtual sessions or routing teams through Cyprus and then on to Israel with Arkia and El Al.
Insurance brokers remind employers to check war-risk exclusions in travel policies; some underwriters require prior approval for staff trips to Israel, Lebanon or Jordan. Duty-of-care teams should also track employee layovers in Gulf hubs, as flight paths may redirect southwards, extending duty hours and fatigue risk.
Should tensions ease, regulators say airlines must conduct new over-flight risk assessments before restarting. Even then, passengers can expect longer routings that skirt conflict zones, adding up to 60 minutes and extra fuel surcharges.
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