UPDATE - Arab nations, Israel resume flights amid regional tensions

UPDATES WITH LATEST DEVELOPMENTS OF FLIGHTS AT TEHRAN MEHRABAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, ISRAEL'S REOPENING AIRSPACE

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL (AA) - Several Arab countries and Israel announced the reopening of their airspace and the resumption of airport operations on Sunday after a temporary suspension due to the Iranian attack on Israel.

The Lebanese Ministry of Public Works and Transport declared the reopening of its airspace to all arriving, departing, and transiting aircraft following a closure prompted by regional developments.

Similarly, the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the reopening of Iraq's airspace to all aircraft movements, citing the mitigation of risks affecting civil aviation safety.

In Jordan, the Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority announced the reopening of the Kingdom's airspace, highlighting a re-evaluation of risks in accordance with national and international safety standards.

Israel also reopened its airspace for civilian aircraft after a temporary closure resulting from the Iranian overnight attack. Israel's public broadcaster reported the resumption of air traffic at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv.

While some flights resumed over Israeli airspace, many airlines opted to reroute through northern Egyptian Sinai and Turkish airspace amid ongoing tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv.

In Iran, the cancelation of flights at Tehran's Mehrabad International Airport was extended until 12:00 p.m. local time on Sunday. The Iran Airports and Air Navigation Company attributed the extension to heightened tensions and a state of high alert.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a barrage of drones and missiles at Israel late on Saturday in response to the April 1 attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.

The attack, which killed seven Iranian military officials, including a senior IRGC commander, drew sharp reactions from the Iranian government officials, who vowed "decisive response."

According to some unconfirmed reports, IRGC fired more than 300 drones and missiles in an attack that lasted several hours, many of which were intercepted by Israeli air defense systems.

However, IRGC commander Gen. Hossein Salami told reporters in Tehran on Sunday morning that the operation was successful more than they had expected.

Meanwhile, speculation is rife that Israel may decide to retaliate, which experts believe could trigger an all-out regional war.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio in Istanbul