Qatar, Kuwait And Bahrain Temporarily Close Airspace Amid Rising Regional Tensions
Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain have announced the temporary suspension of air traffic in their respective airspaces as a precautionary measure following a significant escalation in regional tensions sparked by Iran's missile attack on the US-run Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
The closures were implemented to safeguard civilian lives and ensure the security of aviation operations in light of growing instability in the region. While Qatar has confirmed that its air defence systems successfully intercepted all incoming missiles, the unprecedented nature of the attack prompted immediate safety measures, including the halting of flights.
Aviation authorities in the three Gulf nations are working in coordination with international agencies and regional partners to monitor the evolving situation. Officials say the airspace closures are temporary and will be reviewed based on real-time assessments of regional threats and operational safety.
The closures have disrupted several commercial routes, particularly those involving transit flights between the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Airlines have been advised to reroute flights as needed, and passengers are urged to check with their carriers for updated travel information.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia issued strong statements condemning Iran's missile strikes, describing them as blatant violations of international law and Qatari sovereignty. Both nations expressed full solidarity with Qatar and warned that such aggressive actions threaten the stability of the entire region.
Meanwhile, the US and UK embassies in Doha issued shelter-in-place advisories for their citizens. Bahraini authorities have also urged residents to remain calm and seek shelter, while Qatar's Ministry of Interior has called on the public to limit movement on main roads to ease emergency operations.
The situation continues to develop, with regional and global powers closely watching for further escalations.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
3 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Trump Brokers Ceasefire After Iran's Strike on US Base in Qatar Sparks Regional Alarm
• Ceasefire announced amid rising tensions • Iran missiles hit US base in Qatar • Regional blocs condemn Tehran's actions You Know What: Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, targeted in the Iranian strike, hosts over 10,000 US and coalition troops and serves as CENTCOM's forward headquarters in the region. Mahir Haneef TDT | Manama A regional ceasefire between Israel and Iran is set to take effect at 7 a.m. Arabian Standard Time, US President Donald Trump announced yesterday, offering a potential end to a sharp escalation that had rattled capitals across the Middle East. Describing the Iranian retaliation as 'very weak,' Trump revealed that Tehran had warned in advance before launching missiles, signalling a desire to avoid casualties and de-escalate the crisis. 'It's time to make peace,' he said, following the announcement. Qatar Struck Shortly before the ceasefire announcement, Iranian missiles had struck near Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a major hub for US and coalition forces. Doha confirmed its air defences intercepted the attack, with explosions heard and projectiles seen streaking across the evening sky. 'The Ministry of Interior confirms that the security situation in the country is stable, and there is no cause for concern,' said a government statement issued last night. Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari strongly condemned the missile strike, warning that Qatar 'reserves the right to respond directly in a manner proportional to the nature and scale of this blatant aggression.' Broad Condemnation The Iranian assault drew immediate condemnation across the region. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait denounced the attack as a 'flagrant violation' of Qatar's sovereignty and pledged support to the country in any steps it takes in response. Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi echoed this stance, calling the incident a threat to collective Gulf security and affirming that 'an attack on one member state is an attack on the entire Council.' The Arab Parliament also condemned the strike as an 'unacceptable violation of international law' and urged all parties to avoid escalation and regional destabilisation. UN Response United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres joined the chorus of condemnation, reiterating his call for restraint and dialogue. 'The Secretary-General has repeatedly condemned any military escalation in this conflict, including today's attack by Iran on the territory of Qatar,' his spokesman said in a statement.
Gulf Insider
9 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Qatar, Kuwait And Bahrain Temporarily Close Airspace Amid Rising Regional Tensions
Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain have announced the temporary suspension of air traffic in their respective airspaces as a precautionary measure following a significant escalation in regional tensions sparked by Iran's missile attack on the US-run Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The closures were implemented to safeguard civilian lives and ensure the security of aviation operations in light of growing instability in the region. While Qatar has confirmed that its air defence systems successfully intercepted all incoming missiles, the unprecedented nature of the attack prompted immediate safety measures, including the halting of flights. Aviation authorities in the three Gulf nations are working in coordination with international agencies and regional partners to monitor the evolving situation. Officials say the airspace closures are temporary and will be reviewed based on real-time assessments of regional threats and operational safety. The closures have disrupted several commercial routes, particularly those involving transit flights between the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Airlines have been advised to reroute flights as needed, and passengers are urged to check with their carriers for updated travel information. The UAE and Saudi Arabia issued strong statements condemning Iran's missile strikes, describing them as blatant violations of international law and Qatari sovereignty. Both nations expressed full solidarity with Qatar and warned that such aggressive actions threaten the stability of the entire region. Meanwhile, the US and UK embassies in Doha issued shelter-in-place advisories for their citizens. Bahraini authorities have also urged residents to remain calm and seek shelter, while Qatar's Ministry of Interior has called on the public to limit movement on main roads to ease emergency operations. The situation continues to develop, with regional and global powers closely watching for further escalations.
Gulf Insider
9 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Explosions Heard Over Qatar's Doha After Iran Threat To Retaliate For US Strikes
Explosions were heard over Qatar's capital Doha on Monday, a Reuters witness reported, shortly after a Western diplomat said there had been a credible Iranian threat against the US-run al Udeid air base in the Gulf Arab state since midday. The diplomat spoke soon after Qatar announced it had suspended air traffic temporarily to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. Earlier, the US embassy in Qatar had advised Americans to shelter in place, out of what it said was 'an abundance of caution'. Iran has issued threats to retaliate against the United States after US bombers dropped 30,000-pound bunker-busters on the country's underground nuclear installations over the weekend, while President Donald Trump openly raised the possibility of the Iranian government being toppled. Earlier on Monday, Israel struck a jail for political prisoners in Tehran in a potent demonstration that it was expanding its targets beyond military and nuclear sites to aim squarely at the pillars of Iran's ruling system. Two US officials said Washington assessed that Iran could carry out attacks targeting American forces in the Middle East soon, although the US is still seeking a diplomatic resolution that would see Tehran forgo any reprisal. Despite Iran's threats to challenge oil shipments from the Gulf, oil prices largely held steady, suggesting traders doubted the Tehran would follow through on any action that would disrupt global supplies. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow as Tehran sought backing from one of its last major power friends for its next steps.
