Airlines suspend and reroute flights after Iran attacks US base in Qatar, prompting Middle East airspace closures and widespread disruption to global routes. Photo Credit: FlightRadar24
Flight operations across the Middle East faced significant disruption on 23 June after Iran launched missile strikes on the Al Udeid US military base in Doha, Qatar, in retaliation for earlier US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.
No casualties were reported, but the incident triggered immediate airspace closures in Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, leading to widespread flight cancellations and diversions.
Major aviation hubs including Doha and Dubai experienced delays and temporary shutdowns, with several airlines suspending services entirely. Air India halted operations to the Middle East, North America's east coast, and Europe, rerouting or turning back aircraft already en route. Kuwait Airways also suspended departures, while Etihad Airways rerouted services through Monday and Tuesday.
Flight tracking data showed around two dozen Qatar Airways flights to Doha were diverted. Singapore Airlines cancelled services to Dubai through Tuesday, and Iberia cancelled plans to resume flights to Doha. Other carriers, including Finnair, British Airways, Air France-KLM, and Air Astana, also suspended flights to Doha, Dubai, Riyadh, and Beirut.
These disruptions come as airlines already contend with closed Russian and Ukrainian airspace, narrowing options for Europe–Asia travel corridors. Some are now rerouting via the Caspian Sea or through Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Aviation risk consultancies reported heightened concerns over potential targeting of commercial flights near US bases. GPS interference is also an emerging risk, with over 150 aircraft reportedly spoofed over the Persian Gulf within 24 hours, according to Swiss firm SkAI.
As tensions escalate, flight suspensions are expected to continue into the week, with uncertainty surrounding when normal operations might resume.