Good News Everyone! Airlines Rerouting to Avoid Kablooie in the Middle East!

Oh My Goodness! Strikes and Missiles Oh My!

Good news everyone! It seems that international relations are about as stable as Zoidberg at a clam bake. This so called 'Safe Airspace' group – sounds like a retirement home for dirigibles doesn't it? – is warning that if the U.S. decides to turn Iran's nuclear facilities into fancy glow in the dark craters then American airlines might face a tad more danger than usual. Apparently some folks in Iran aren't too keen on having their uranium enriched with American fireworks. Who knew?

Diversion! Diversion! Diversion!

Now fear not! The brave men and women of the airline industry are nothing if not adaptable. Much like a cockroach in a nuclear winter they're finding ways to survive – and in this case that means flying around the trouble spots. According to FlightRadar24 (which sounds like a reality TV show about avian ornithologists) airlines are merrily skipping over Iran Iraq Syria and Israel like Bender at a sobriety convention. Instead they're opting for scenic routes over the Caspian Sea or if they're feeling adventurous through Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Sure it adds a few extra hours and burns enough fuel to power a small moon but hey at least you won't arrive as a smoking hole in the ground.

Evacuate! (But Not Too Fast!)

Since June 13th when things went kablooie flights to the affected areas have been put on hold. Well except for the occasional daring rescue flight. Those Israelis stranded abroad since June 13? Israel has reopened its airspace for six hours on Sunday to bring back those stranded abroad since the conflict with Iran began on June 13. One has to get home to watch 'All My Circuits,' after all. And those poor tourists trapped in Israel? Apparently they're making a beeline for Jordan and Egypt faster than Hermes Conrad can count to five.

Extending the Circle of Doom!

And if you thought the danger zone was limited to the usual suspects think again! Safe Airspace (those worrywarts) suggests that the airspace risks could extend to places like Bahrain Kuwait Oman Qatar Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Basically the whole region is about as safe as a chocolate eclair at a Weight Watchers convention. Their advice? A 'high degree of caution'. Which in my book is always good advice especially when dealing with unstable isotopes or Fry's cooking.

Stranded! (And Slightly Irritated!)

Israel's airlines – El Al Arkia Israir and Air Haifa – have temporarily grounded their rescue flights. El Al has even cancelled scheduled flights through Friday and Israir has halted ticket sales through July 7. Oh the humanity! (Or in this case the Israelity.) Thankfully Ben Gurion Airport reopened for a few hours to allow some rescue flights to land. Because nothing says 'relaxing vacation' like landing in a country that might be the next target for a missile strike.

The Cavalry Arrives! (Eventually!)

Not to be outdone Japan has been evacuating its citizens overland to Azerbaijan. And New Zealand bless their hobbit sized hearts is sending a Hercules military transport plane to the Middle East. It'll take a few days to get there of course but at least they're trying. Though I suspect that by the time it arrives the whole thing will either be over or humanity will have regressed to the Stone Age. Either way good show New Zealand!