Flight delays possible for Pattaya-bound tourists as airlines reroute around Middle East conflict zones. PATTAYA, Thailand – Tourists heading to Pattaya and other parts of Thailand are being advised to check their flight itineraries, as ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to affect global air travel. Following recent U.S. airstrikes on three suspected nuclear sites in Iran, commercial airlines have extended their rerouting measures to avoid the increasingly volatile region. Data from FlightRadar24, a Sweden-based flight-tracking platform, shows that most carriers are now actively steering clear of Iranian, Iraqi, Syrian, and Israeli airspace. These adjustments, while necessary for safety, have resulted in longer flight paths, increased fuel costs, and potential delays. Airlines are instead flying north over the Caspian Sea or taking southern detours via Egypt and Saudi Arabia—routes that could extend travel times for international passengers, including those bound for Thailand via major Middle Eastern hubs like Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. Impact on Travelers to Thailand While no flights to Thailand have been canceled directly due to the unrest, the ripple effect is being felt by travelers transiting through affected regions. Visitors heading to Pattaya may notice itinerary changes or longer-than-usual arrival times, especially if connecting through Gulf nations or via European carriers that traditionally pass through Middle Eastern air corridors. Authorities continue to emphasize that, while there have been no direct threats to civilian airliners, the risk level remains high. Safe Airspace, a global airspace risk-monitoring platform, warned that the U.S. strikes could provoke retaliation against American or allied interests in the region. It cautioned that risks may extend to neighboring countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Flights Suspended, Airspace Closures Expand Israel’s three commercial airlines—El Al, Arkia, and Israir—announced temporary suspension of rescue and commercial flights. El Al has canceled flights through at least June 27. Meanwhile, Israeli aviation authorities have closed their airspace, though land crossings with Egypt and Jordan remain open. Israel’s tourism ministry is working to assist over 40,000 stranded travelers. What Travelers Should Do For those planning to visit Pattaya or other Thai destinations, travel agents and airlines recommend monitoring flight status regularly, allowing extra time for layovers, and staying in contact with carriers in case of schedule changes. Travelers transiting through the Middle East are especially urged to confirm their routes or consider alternative itineraries. Thailand remains unaffected domestically by these tensions, and travel within the country remains smooth. However, with global airline networks rerouted for safety, minor delays may become the norm until regional tensions ease.