Middle East: Some countries reopen airspace for civilian traffic

Following waves of escalating attacks between Israel and Iran, several Middle Eastern countries reopened their airspace to civilian flights on Saturday.

Jordan resumed civil aviation operations at 7:30 am (0430 GMT), according to the state news agency Petra.

Lebanon followed at 10 am, while Syria’s state news agency SANA also announced the reopening of its airspace earlier in the day.

Meanwhile, Iraq extended its suspension of civilian flights until the early afternoon.

The restrictions were in response to an unprecedented escalation in hostilities, triggered by Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, military leadership and top scientist early on Friday.

In response, Iran has launched waves of ballistic missiles and drone attacks.

Both sides have reported casualties.

Despite growing international pressure for de-escalation, neither appears willing to step back from the conflict as it enters its second day.