A flight operations group has warned that the conflict in the Middle East is presenting serious challenges for pilots navigating the airspace around Israel, Lebanon, Syria and Iran

The writer, Chris Shieff, says: “It no longer seems to be a simple question of ‘is this route safe?’ but instead, of one’s own appetite for known risks.”

The article analyses the three routes that are currently being used by major airlines: south via Egypt and Saudi Arabia, central via Turkey and eastern Iraq, or north over the Caucasus, the Caspian Sea and Turkmenistan.

Read the full story:

Ryanair has cancelled a trifecta of flights to and from Dublin, Cork and Shannon.

Wizz Air is now grounding more flights, with a second Sharm el Sheikh departure as well as flights to Istanbul and Hurghada.

British Airways cancellations are increasing, with a flight to Funchal grounded.

For each departing flight that is cancelled, there will be passengers waiting at an airport abroad to fly back to Gatwick.

Even though Gatwick South terminal has reopened, widespread cancellations have begun to be made. British Airways has cancelled at least 30 flights to and from the Sussex airport.

European and North African flights from Gatwick have been grounded to Tenerife, Marrakech, Malta, Faro, Porto, Malaga, Alicante, Seville, Jersey (two), Bordeaux, Verona, and Turin.

Long-haul flights to Trinidad and Islamabad are cancelled. All the related inbound flights are also grounded.

An estimated 5,000 passengers have been affected.

Thousands of passengers who have sought refuge in North Terminal at Gatwick – as the only place for some distance with warmth and catering – are now queuing for the shuttle to get back to South Terminal.

In addition, there is confusion over the status of Gatwick airport railway station. It is open and trains are stopping, but the message has gone out that it will not reopen until 4.15pm.

An update from the Gatwick Express have warned that delays are expected until 4.15pm, despite the lines reopening.

A statement read: Lines have reopened following the police dealing with an incident at Gatwick Airport earlier today. Trains may still be delayed by up to 20 minutes or revised.

“This is expected to continue until approximately 4.15pm.

“For the latest flight information and updates, please check directly with your airline operator.”

Nejadeen Braham, 35, who works as a nurse on the Isle of Man, was due to fly to her homeland of Jamaica to collect her children.

Speaking to reporters outside the south terminal, she said: “I couldn’t get in the airport. I saw everybody coming (out) from one direction.

“I was supposed to go inside, drop my bags and go through security. When I got here I saw everybody coming down.

“There were no proper updates. I’m very frustrated.”

A London Gatwick spokesperson said: “The earlier security alert has now been resolved and cleared by police. The South Terminal is reopening to staff and will be open to passengers shortly.

“Trains will also start calling at Gatwick Airport once the terminal is fully reopened. We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while this situation was resolved. Safety and security is always our top priority.

“There are some delays and cancellations, passengers should contact their airline for any updates on flights.”

Passenger information website National Rail Enquiries said: “The police are dealing with an incident at Gatwick Airport. The station and airport are currently being evacuated.

“Services are able to run through the station and area but will not call at Gatwick Airport at this time.

“Please avoid travelling to the station whilst this incident is ongoing.

“This is expected to continue until approximately 2pm.”

Aviation analytics website Cirium said 316 flights are scheduled to depart from the airport on Friday, with a total of more than 60,600 seats.

A further 318 flights are scheduled to arrive, with more than 61,400 seats.