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
Thesun.co.uk 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 www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Rhyl Journal
an hour ago
- Rhyl Journal
Flights resuming in Qatar as airspace reopens amid Middle East conflict
Iran announced on state television that it had attacked forces stationed at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in retaliation for America's strikes on its nuclear programme. Qatar said it successfully intercepted the missiles and no casualties were reported. Flights coming in and out of the state were grounded to 'ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors', the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in the afternoon. Qatar Airways confirms reinstatement of flights as airspace reopens in the State of Qatar. Our focus at this time is to help our passengers return home or reach their onward journey safely and smoothly. We've deployed extra ground staff at Hamad International Airport to support… — Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) June 23, 2025 Qatar Airways confirmed flights were resuming on Monday night. In a statement posted to social media, the airline said: 'Qatar Airways confirms reinstatement of flights as airspace reopens in the State of Qatar. 'Our focus at this time is to help our passengers return home or reach their onward journey safely and smoothly. 'We've deployed extra ground staff at Hamad International Airport to support you as we resume operations.' It urged passengers to check the airline's website or app before travelling. Airlines were forced to review routes across the region when the airspace was shut, with some services rerouted or diverted mid-air. The move came just hours after the Foreign Office advised British nationals in Qatar to 'shelter in place' following a US security alert. But in updated guidance, the Government department said: 'The US has now lifted the advice to shelter in place, issued to its citizens on 23 June. 'Following interceptions of Iranian missiles fired towards Qatar, the FCDO has been in touch with the local authorities and international partners, and reviewed the security situation. 'British nationals do not need to shelter in place and should continue to follow advice from the local authorities.' The UK Foreign Office is advising against all travel to Iran and urges British nationals in the region to follow local guidance. 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, has its headquarters at Al Udeid and leads UK air operations in the region.
Glasgow Times
an hour ago
- Glasgow Times
Flights resuming in Qatar as airspace reopens amid Middle East conflict
Iran announced on state television that it had attacked forces stationed at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in retaliation for America's strikes on its nuclear programme. Qatar said it successfully intercepted the missiles and no casualties were reported. Flights coming in and out of the state were grounded to 'ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors', the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in the afternoon. Qatar Airways confirms reinstatement of flights as airspace reopens in the State of Qatar. Our focus at this time is to help our passengers return home or reach their onward journey safely and smoothly. We've deployed extra ground staff at Hamad International Airport to support… — Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) June 23, 2025 Qatar Airways confirmed flights were resuming on Monday night. In a statement posted to social media, the airline said: 'Qatar Airways confirms reinstatement of flights as airspace reopens in the State of Qatar. 'Our focus at this time is to help our passengers return home or reach their onward journey safely and smoothly. 'We've deployed extra ground staff at Hamad International Airport to support you as we resume operations.' It urged passengers to check the airline's website or app before travelling. Airlines were forced to review routes across the region when the airspace was shut, with some services rerouted or diverted mid-air. The move came just hours after the Foreign Office advised British nationals in Qatar to 'shelter in place' following a US security alert. But in updated guidance, the Government department said: 'The US has now lifted the advice to shelter in place, issued to its citizens on 23 June. 'Following interceptions of Iranian missiles fired towards Qatar, the FCDO has been in touch with the local authorities and international partners, and reviewed the security situation. 'British nationals do not need to shelter in place and should continue to follow advice from the local authorities.' The UK Foreign Office is advising against all travel to Iran and urges British nationals in the region to follow local guidance. 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, has its headquarters at Al Udeid and leads UK air operations in the region.
Leader Live
an hour ago
- Leader Live
Flights resuming in Qatar as airspace reopens amid Middle East conflict
Iran announced on state television that it had attacked forces stationed at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in retaliation for America's strikes on its nuclear programme. Qatar said it successfully intercepted the missiles and no casualties were reported. Flights coming in and out of the state were grounded to 'ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors', the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in the afternoon. Qatar Airways confirms reinstatement of flights as airspace reopens in the State of Qatar. Our focus at this time is to help our passengers return home or reach their onward journey safely and smoothly. We've deployed extra ground staff at Hamad International Airport to support… — Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) June 23, 2025 Qatar Airways confirmed flights were resuming on Monday night. In a statement posted to social media, the airline said: 'Qatar Airways confirms reinstatement of flights as airspace reopens in the State of Qatar. 'Our focus at this time is to help our passengers return home or reach their onward journey safely and smoothly. 'We've deployed extra ground staff at Hamad International Airport to support you as we resume operations.' It urged passengers to check the airline's website or app before travelling. Airlines were forced to review routes across the region when the airspace was shut, with some services rerouted or diverted mid-air. The move came just hours after the Foreign Office advised British nationals in Qatar to 'shelter in place' following a US security alert. But in updated guidance, the Government department said: 'The US has now lifted the advice to shelter in place, issued to its citizens on 23 June. 'Following interceptions of Iranian missiles fired towards Qatar, the FCDO has been in touch with the local authorities and international partners, and reviewed the security situation. 'British nationals do not need to shelter in place and should continue to follow advice from the local authorities.' The UK Foreign Office is advising against all travel to Iran and urges British nationals in the region to follow local guidance. 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, has its headquarters at Al Udeid and leads UK air operations in the region.
