Qatar temporarily closes airspace amid rising tensions in Middle East
The move comes after US forces struck three nuclear sites in Iran, prompting Tehran to launch a barrage of retaliatory ballistic missiles against Israel.
In a statement posted to social media on Monday, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: 'Qatari authorities announce the temporary suspension of air traffic in the country's airspace, in order to ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors.'
Qatar Airways has been contacted for comment on the impact to its operations.
Airlines are reviewing routes across the region, with some services rerouted or diverted mid-air.
It comes just hours after the Foreign Office advised British nationals in Qatar to 'shelter in place' following a US security alert.
The UK Foreign Office is advising against all travel to Iran and urges British nationals in the region to follow local guidance.
It has also updated its travel advice for Qatar, warning British nationals to shelter in place 'out of an abundance of caution' following a US security alert in the country.
#Qatar Following a US security alert for US nationals in Qatar, out of an abundance of caution, we recommend that British nationals in Qatar shelter in place until further notice: https://t.co/7vhvcoM8AF pic.twitter.com/U5KVe9bLvC
— FCDO Travel Advice (@FCDOtravelGovUK) June 23, 2025
In updated guidance, it said: 'Following a US security alert for US nationals in Qatar, out of an abundance of caution, we recommend that British nationals in Qatar shelter in place until further notice.
'Follow instructions from local authorities.
'The FCDO is in contact with local authorities and international partners, and will provide further updates as the situation develops.'
Qatar is home to Al Udeid airbase, the largest US military installation in the Middle East, where around 8,000 American personnel are based, according to the US State Department.
The base also hosts British forces. No. 83 Expeditionary Air Group, part of the Royal Air Force, is headquartered at Al Udeid and leads UK air operations in the region.
On Monday, flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 showed a Qatar Airways service from Gatwick to Doha make a sharp diversion shortly before entering Qatari airspace.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Qantas flights sent back as conflict erupts in the Middle East
Qantas has rerouted two of its long-haul international flights due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the closure of Qatari airspace. Flight QF33, which had departed Perth for Paris, was forced to turn back mid-journey and return to Perth. Meanwhile, QF9, the airline's Perth-to-London service, was diverted to Singapore while flying over Sri Lanka. A Qantas spokesperson confirmed the diversions. 'The airline is working closely with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to support impacted passengers, and will resume operations when the airspace reopens,' Qantas said in a statement 'Once usual operations resume, we anticipate significant delays to our flight schedule. 'We have also deployed additional ground staff at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist affected passengers.' Meanwhile, Qatar Airways has announced 'temporary suspension' of its services due to the shutdown of air traffic operations within Qatar.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
UK flight heading to Doha forced to turn back after Iran's missile strike at Qatar
Countless flights have been disrupted following the Iranian strike earlier today PLANE DIVERTED UK flight heading to Doha forced to turn back after Iran's missile strike at Qatar A FLIGHT bound for Doha has been diverted back to the UK after Iran launched a missile strike against a US airbase in Qatar. Qatar Airways flight QR28 had reached as far as the western Turkish coastline at around 5.56pm UK time when it dramatically made a U-turn, taking it back to Manchester Airport. Advertisement Earlier today, Iran launched a salvo of ballistic missiles at Doha, targeting the Al Udaid US airbase which houses around 10,000 US army personal. Qatar Airways then announced at 7.30pm that it had temporarily grounded all flights after the Middle Eastern nation closed its airspace. The airline wrote on X: "As a result of the closure of air traffic movement in the State of Qatar, we can confirm the temporary suspension of Qatar Airways flights. "We are working closely with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to support any passengers that have been impacted, and will resume operations when the airspace reopens. Advertisement "The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority." QR28 is not the only Qatar Airways flight from the UK to be affected, with another flight - QR4 from London Heathrow to Doha - also being diverted back to the capital. The jet made it far over the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Greece, before it turned around heading back to London, according to aircraft tracker FlightRadar24. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Advertisement is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
UK flight heading to Doha forced to turn back after Iran's missile strike at Qatar
A FLIGHT bound for Doha has been diverted back to the UK after Iran launched a missile strike against a US airbase in Qatar. Qatar Airways flight QR28 had reached as far as the western Turkish coastline at around 5.56pm UK time when it dramatically made a U-turn, taking it back to Manchester Airport. The airline announced at 7.30pm that it had temporarily grounded all flights after Qatar closed its airspace. Qatar Airways wrote on X: "As a result of the closure of air traffic movement in the State of Qatar, we can confirm the temporary suspension of Qatar Airways flights. "We are working closely with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to support any passengers that have been impacted, and will resume operations when the airspace reopens. "The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority." QR28 is not the only Qatar Airways flight from the UK to be affected, with another flight - QR4 from London Heathrow to Doha - also being diverted back to the capital. The jet made it far over the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Greece, before it turned around heading back to London, according to aircraft tracker FlightRadar24. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
