[Exclusive] Iran war and Israeli airstrikes derail thousands of EU deportation flights
by https://euobserver.com/author/nikolaj-nielsen/ · EUobserverIranian missiles ‘Zolfaghar’ are on display above a banner depicting US President Trump at Azadi Square in Tehran, Iran, 30 July 2026. (Source: EPA/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH )
Unlock article and share
By Nikolaj Nielsen,
Brussels
,
The US and Israeli-led war with Iran, launched in late February, and other military campaigns in the region have disrupted flights, leaving around 5,500 deportations that would normally receive support from the EU’s border agency Frontex unexecuted.
The disruption comes despite the Warsaw-based agency’s recent announcement that returns rose in the first half of 2026, with Syrians and Iraqis among the 10 nationalities most frequently deported.
Internally, however, Frontex appears concerned.
In July, it highlighted return problems because of the Middle East crisis, a broad swathe of conflicts that has seen various airspace closures over Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Israel, Qatar, Syria, and the UAE.
It said roughly 4,000 returns had not been carried out because of direct cancellations or broader operational standstills, with member states halting the organisation or scheduling of Frontex-supported returns due to the Middle East conflicts.
By 30 September, that figure had climbed to 5,500.
Although now open (as of publication), airspace restrictions, route availability and operational measures may be introduced, amended or lifted rapidly, sometimes with little notice.
European deportation setbacks typically involve everything from fragmented national systems, to people absconding, and to foreign states refusing to accept their own nationals. But war and conflict are now adding another layer of complications.
To read this story, log in or subscribe
Enjoy access to all articles and 25 years of archives, comment and gift articles. Become a subscriber for as low as €1,75 per week.
Read without limits
Already a subscriber? Login
Unlock article and share
Latest from EU and the World
Israel’s election may disappoint everyone, as Brussels and Washington face a hard reckoning with a more ‘centrist’ leader
Jewish groups clash over whether EU antisemitism envoy should influence Israel policy, as controversial von Schnurbein goes back to Berlin
Latest from Frontex
A bigger EU border force Frontex is set to be unveiled with emphasis on deportations
EU is bankrolling border drones while starving the watchdogs meant to stop abuses
Latest from Migration
New EU-wide asylum law ends up in court in Italy
Denmark lashes out again at Sánchez over Spain’s migration regularisation, but EU summit avoids linking migration to crime
Latest from Syria
EU asylum claims drop to lowest level in five years, but many still lost at sea
EU seeks to restore trade with Damascus in bid to ensure ‘safe’ Syrian refugee returns
Latest from Investigations
[EXCLUSIVE] Leaked WhatsApps between ex-EU commissioner Reynders and senior Belgian spy reveal attempts to bury allegations of his possible Russia ties
EU universities struggle to cut out Israeli partners, with €15m in EU funds in defence-linked projects
Iranian missiles 'Zolfaghar' are on display above a banner depicting US President Trump at Azadi Square in Tehran, Iran, 30 July 2026. (Source: EPA/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH )
Topics
- EU and the World+ Follow topic by email
- Frontex+ Follow topic by email
- Migration+ Follow topic by email
- Syria+ Follow topic by email
Author Bio
Nikolaj Nielsen joined EUobserver in 2012 and covers home affairs. He is originally from Denmark, but spent much of his life in France and in Belgium. He was awarded the King Baudouin Foundation grant for investigative journalism in 2010.
+ Follow author by email