By Canadian Press

Flights divert around western Iran as one report claims explosions heard near Isfahan

Apr 18, 2024 | 7:02 PM

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Commercial flights began diverting their routes early Friday morning over western Iran without explanation as one semiofficial news agency in the Islamic Republic claimed there had been “explosions” heard over the city of Isfahan.

The incident comes as tensions remain high in the wider Middle East after Iran’s unprecedented missile-and-drone attack on Israel.

Dubai-based carriers Emirates and FlyDubai began diverting around western Iran early Friday. They offered no explanation, though local warnings to aviators suggested the airspace may have been closed.

The semiofficial Fars news agency reported on the sound of explosions over Isfahan near its international airport. It offered no explanation for the blast. However, Isfahan is home to a major airbase for the Iranian military, as well as sites associated with its nuclear program.

Iran’s government offered no immediate comment.

Boston Bar RCMP

Boston Bar RCMP reports uptick in vehicle break-ins, catalytic converter thefts along Highway 1

2h ago

B.C's auditor general to review government's response to 2021 Lytton wildfire

3h ago

Abbotsford PD HQ construction

Construction of new Abbotsford PD headquarters inches closer to completion; new facility could be ready by early 2025

3h ago

Isfahan is some 350 kilometers (215 miles) south of Iran’s capital, Tehran.

The Associated Press