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.
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