Amid ongoing military escalation with Iran, Israel has announced the indefinite closure of Ben Gurion International Airport.

The decision, effective immediately, was confirmed on Saturday following overnight airstrikes between the two nations.

According to The Times of Israel, the closure comes as a precautionary measure after Israel launched airstrikes on multiple sites across Iran, reportedly killing at least 20 senior military commanders and six nuclear scientists. Iran responded with ballistic missile attacks targeting Israeli territory, intensifying the conflict.

Lisa Diver, spokesperson for Ben Gurion Airport, told Al Jazeera that no specific date has been set for the airport’s reopening. Images from the airport show empty check-in counters and departure lounges, with all outbound and inbound flights cancelled.

Meanwhile, regional airspace has begun to reopen. Lebanon and Jordan resumed air traffic on Saturday, though Iraq continues to keep its airspace closed due to heightened security concerns.

The tit-for-tat attacks have significantly raised tensions across the Middle East, with fears of further escalation and international repercussions.