‘Bombs Were Flying Around': Man Recounts 7-Hour Ordeal After Doha Flight Diverted To Istanbul
Along with a picture of himself on the flight, the man shared his experience and even revealed he witnessed "flying bombs" around him.
In a shocking escalation, Iran launched a missile strike on an American air base in Qatar on Monday, further intensifying tensions amid its ongoing conflict with Israel. The target, Al Udeid Air Base, a key US military installation, was hit just days after Israeli forces attacked nuclear and ballistic missile sites in Tehran on June 13. The latest development has raised fears of a broader regional conflict. In response, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, and Iraq were placed on high alert, while airlines suspended operations across several affected areas on Monday.
Qatar Airways was among several carriers that temporarily suspended flights following the closure of air traffic in Qatar, leaving many travellers stranded. One such passenger was musician David Scott, popularly known as The Kiffness, whose Doha-bound flight was diverted, forcing him to spend seven hours on the tarmac in Istanbul.
Bought the @qatarairways WiFi just to say we had to land in Instanbul & chill on the tarmac for 7hrs because bombs were flying around. Weird times, but could be worse. Back in the air now & on the way to Doha. Will let you know if any other weird things happens. Cheers!
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), David Scott shared a post after he finally got to resume his flight to Doha. Along with a picture of himself on the flight, Scott shared his experience and even revealed he witnessed flying bombs around him. 'Bought the Qatar Airways WiFi just to say we had to land in Istanbul & chill on the tarmac for 7 hours because bombs were flying around. Weird times, but could be worse. Back in the air now & on the way to Doha. Will let you know if any other weird things happen. Cheers!" he wrote on Tuesday, June 24.
On the other hand, many travellers have posted updates after their respective flights were suspended due to the suspension of airspace.
Me and mum got the last flight out of Doha before they closed the airspace. I took this selfie before we took off. We just landed now in london and I've just seen the news. Doha airport was so stressful. Thanks to staff for getting us out. Never been that stressed in my life.
— Alex (@alex6130) June 23, 2025
The posts came shortly after Qatar Airways also announced the reinstatement of flights following a brief suspension on Monday. Noting that it has deployed extra ground staff at Hamad International Airport, the Airways issued a statement to assure travellers of their safety.
Iran-Israel Conflict
The tensions began on June 13 after Israel targeted Iranian military and nuclear sites, prompting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to launch an attack in retaliation. The conflict escalated further after the US also conducted precise airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities on Sunday, once again leading to retaliation from Iran as they attacked US military installations in Qatar and Iraq.
#Trump backdoor deal of support led #Israel to attack Iran. #Iran retaliated with 6+missiles on US base in #Doha,was the deal signed by Russia (#Putin)?
If the US retaliates, #Russia may jump to support Iran.
It could be a semi-high #WorldWar3 situation in the next few days. pic.twitter.com/cU4EFG1kFq
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— Manu
Many witnesses have reported hearing loud explosions above the capital, Doha, with viral videos also showing bright flashes in the sky.
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