Airlines around the globe grounded or rerouted flights across the Middle East on Monday after Iran launched missiles at the U.S.-operated Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar.
In the latest developments, Qatar has reopened its airspace after a temporary closure prompted by a missile strike from Iran targeting a U.S.-operated air base near Doha. According to the country’s civil aviation authority, no injuries were reported and flight operations are now resuming.
According to Iranian military officials, the missile strike was in retaliation for a U.S. attack on key Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend. Explosions were reportedly heard over Qatar’s capital, Doha, shortly after noon Monday.Â
Flights Diverted Earlier Today
More than 20 commercial aircraft en route to Doha were diverted, while at least four planes headed to Dubai turned back mid-flight. European carriers, including Air France, Iberia and Finnair, suspended or delayed Middle East service after the U.S. strike on Iran over the weekend.
American Airlines and United Airlines had also paused service to Doha and Dubai, respectively, and all three major U.S. carriers have suspended service to Israel since the onset of heightened regional tensions earlier this month.
The growing conflict is exacerbating challenges for international airlines already navigating a complex web of airspace restrictions. By late Monday, Flightradar24 showed near-total silence in the skies above Qatar, Bahrain and parts of the Gulf, a sharp contrast to the region’s normally congested air traffic.Â
The full scope of the disruption is still unfolding, but with diplomatic tensions escalating and retaliatory threats looming, airline officials are preparing for ongoing turbulence.
