- Flights over Iran, Israel, and nearby countries face disruption due to airspace closures amid conflict
- Qatar Airways suspended flights to/from Doha and diverted flights for passenger safety and security
- Conflict risks and airspace closures increase operational challenges and costs for airlines globally
After Israel and the US conducted joint strikes on Iran, the closure of the airspace over Iran, Israel, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, the UAE and Qatar has disrupted operations for several flights and airlines. In a video going viral on X, an Indian passenger on a Qatar Airways flight to Barcelona said the captain had announced a diversion back to Doha after Iraq's airspace was closed.
While the video does not capture any passengers' reactions, a crew member can be seen rushing across the frame.
Watch the video below:
In another tweet, the passenger added, "Crazy to be heading into Doha with a shelter in place warning from US Embassy."
In a follow-up post, he updated, "Finally landed back in Doha and at gate but still not allowed to deplane due to some security alert's which popped up on all phones."
On its official X handle, Qatar Airways confirmed the temporary suspension of flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
An X user based in Qatar shared a video showing no flights landing or taking off at the country's airport. A part of his post read, "The sky, usually streaked with aircraft, is completely empty. The airport sits quietly behind that building. An unusual calm."
Sharing a screenshot from Flightradar24, an X user wrote, "Look at all these Qatar Airlines planes turning around that were heading towards the Middle East."
What Is Being Done To Assist Affected Passengers?
"The airline is working closely with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume operations when the airspace re-opens," Qatar Airways wrote on X.
"Once usual operations resume, we anticipate delays to our flight schedule. We have also deployed additional ground staff at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist affected passengers. The safety of our passengers and employees is always our highest priority, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused," the airline added.
In a post announcing disruption to several Emirates flights, the airline said, "We apologise to customers affected by disruptions for any inconvenience caused, and we are assisting them with rebooking, refunds, or alternative travel arrangements. The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority."
Multiple Airline Operations Disrupted Due To Israel-Iran Conflict:
Air India
An Air India flight on the Delhi-Tel Aviv route was previously diverted to Mumbai due to the closure of Israeli airspace. Air India wrote on X, "In view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended."
IndiGo
IndiGo said it was closely monitoring regional updates concerning Iran and its airspace. "Our teams stand prepared to implement any necessary adjustments as the situation evolves," it said in a post on X, urging passengers to check their flight status before departure.
Air Arabia
Flightradar24 noted on X, "Air Arabia flight 3L441 back on ground in Abu Dhabi, after a 5h 45min flight to nowhere, because of the Iran airspace closure."
Lufthansa
Germany's Lufthansa said it was suspending flights to and from Dubai on Saturday and Sunday and halting the Tel Aviv, Beirut and Oman routes temporarily until March 7, reported Reuters.
Air France
Air France cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv and Beirut.
More Flight Diversions, Airport Closures And Advisories:
Bahrain: All flights to Bahrain are currently being diverted, according to Flightradar24.
Muscat Airport: Muscat, the capital of Oman, has temporarily closed its airport, Flightradar24 said.
Heathrow Airport: "Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East and resulting airspace closures in the region, a small number of flights at Heathrow have been cancelled or delayed," the airport wrote on X.
Dublin Airport: "Airspace constraints in the Middle East mean there is potential for flights to and from the region to be disrupted today (Saturday)," the airport posted on X.
Delhi Airport: "Due to the evolving political situation in the Middle East region, westbound international flights may experience disruptions or schedule adjustments," read a part of its X update.
What Is Happening In The Middle East
Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran on Saturday, escalating tensions in the region as President Donald Trump vowed to destroy Tehran's missile arsenal and prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon. In retaliation, Iran launched a "barrage of missiles" towards Israel, the Israeli military said.
Explosions were heard in many Gulf states, including Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Doha.
Why Are Flights To And From The Middle East Being Diverted?
Flight maps show Iran's airspace nearly empty. It marks the latest upheaval for aviation in the usually busy region amid rising tensions in the Middle East. With Russian and Ukrainian airspace already closed to most airlines due to years of war, the Middle East has become an increasingly important corridor for flights between Europe and Asia, reported Reuters.
Conflict zones pose growing operational challenges for airlines as aerial attacks raise risks of accidental or deliberate shoot-downs of commercial aircraft. Longer rerouted flights also require more fuel, adding to operational costs.
