Airlines Divert, Suspend Middle East Flights After Iranian Strikes On US Airbase In Qatar
At least a dozen flights to and from the Gulf region—home to major hubs such as Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi—were affected.
Domestic carriers, including Air India and IndiGo, were forced to either immediately cancel or divert flights passing over Middle Eastern airspace late Monday, after Iran's missile strike on a US military base in Qatar, exacerbating the region’s military conflict.
However, even as the situation seemed to be heating up, US President Donald Trump announced a “complete and total ceasefire”.
The closure of UAE and Qatar airspace thwarted commercial air traffic flow. At least a dozen flights to and from the Gulf region—home to major hubs such as Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi—were affected.
Both Air India and Air India Express said they had ceased all operations to the Middle East region with immediate effect until further notice.
"Flights to and from the east coast of North America and Europe have also been suspended immediately," an Air India spokesperson said in a statement. "India-bound flights from North America were diverted back to their original departure points, while other flights were being diverted to India or rerouted away from closed airspaces."
The Tata Group carrier said it was consulting with external security advisors and monitoring the evolving situation closely. "The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our number one priority,” the airline added.
On Tuesday, however, Qatar lifted a temporary suspension of air traffic, bringing relief to thousands of travellers affected by Monday’s closure. IndiGo has announced the gradual resumption of its flights across the Middle East, adding that it is closely monitoring the situation in order to provide safest available flight paths for travellers.
Air India Express, too, diverted its Doha-bound flight from Kochi to Muscat and returned its flight bound from Kannur. "We have no other flights bound for Qatar and no aircraft on the ground in Qatar," the airline said.
Middle East serves as a crucial transit corridor for Indian aviation, connecting Europe, West Asia, North America and Africa. Transit through Middle Eastern hubs allows Indian carriers to offer shorter and more efficient routes, reducing flight times and fuel consumption.
"In light of the recent developments in the Middle East, flight arrivals and departures from Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Dammam, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Ras AI-Khaimah and Tbilisi are impacted," IndiGo said in a statement. "Some of our flights may experience delays or diversions. The adjustments are being made to ensure operations remain within safe and compliant airspace."
Akasa Air and SpiceJet, too, said their flights to and from the Middle East region remain affected.
