Istanbul flight hub & possible upcoming issues Iran

Istanbul is nowhere near Iran, so I am struggling to see how there would be any impact. I flew to Istanbul at the same time as the US strike last year, and qas tgwre again a couple of weeks ago, and am flying over Türkiye right now. In our flight last year the aircraft just diverted away from the gulf. We flew across northern Türkiye, Armenia and Azebaijan and across the Caspian. Obviously it depends where you're going.

Thanks. I was thinking spillover and network effects, if issues within the region.

I see what you mean, but I wouldn't expect anything more than maybe longer flight times. Now gulf airlines like Qatar were more affected last time due to their location.

Flights going East from Istanbul may need some route modifications, but those between N America and Istanbul should in no way be affected. The geography dictates that.

Thank you both.. So flight route might not be affected, but I'm thinking there might be possible delays depending on airplane availability , staffing, and related issues. Sorry if this is seeming small, in the larger context. I know many people are fighting for their lives and their freedom.

I can't see why there would be any aircraft availability or staffing issues in Istanbul, based on last year's experience. All I can see is potentially slightly longer flight times. Obviously none of this is good, but aircraft reroute, and Istanbul is nowhere near Iran.

This may or may not be comparable, but in October 2023, less than a week after the October 11 attack, I flew from Cairo to Amman. No disruption whatsoever. The aircraft had to avoid Israeli airspace, but I was not aware of any delay or late arrival.

As others have said, I can't imagine any disruption in Istanbul if there's a military action or war in Iran.

Flights from Europe to East Asia that change in Istanbul can fly directly or nearly directly over Iran. In 2024 when I traveled to Australia a certain Middle Eastern country began dropping munitions on Iran. As a result our flight out of Istanbul was delayed several hours, then eventually rerouted. You can see the flight paths on line. Facinating.

Again thanks to everyone who shared knowledge & experience.
Also note to self - do not use Polymarket for travel planning (d'oh)... The attack was only hovering about 25% by this date.

Hope everyone stays as as safe and well as possible, in these challenging times

https://www.flightaware.com/live/

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Istanbul is still processing flights. The 'dark holes' ( no aircraft) are over areas where there is conflict.

The airlines have to take the 'alternate' route.

Other than some alternate routes, Istanbul is unaffected by the current airspace closures, especially to its west.