[Exclusive] Iran war and Israeli airstrikes derail thousands of EU deportation flights

The ongoing US and Israeli-led conflict with Iran has severely impacted deportation flights, resulting in 5,500 unexecuted deportations that would typically involve EU's Frontex. Despite a reported increase in returns earlier in 2026, Frontex has expressed concerns over operational disruptions caused by the Middle East crisis, which has led to airspace closures across several countries. By the end of September, the number of unexecuted returns had risen significantly due to cancellations and operational halts by member states. While airspace is currently open, restrictions may be reinstated unexpectedly, complicating deportation efforts further amid existing challenges.