Qatar Airways has suspended all flights to and from Doha following the closure of Qatari airspace, triggered by a "major combat operation" against Iran. This airspace shutdown, confirmed by Donald Trump, has led to immediate diversions and returns to origin for flights departing from key UK and Irish airports, including Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester, Dublin, and Heathrow.
Regional Airspace Closures Escalate Travel Disruption
In addition to Qatar, Iran and Iraq have also closed their airspaces amidst escalating military action, with explosions reported in neighbouring countries such as Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Qatar itself. This widespread closure has compounded travel chaos across the Middle East and beyond.
Impact on British Passengers and Flight Diversions
Thousands of British passengers are affected by the suspension, including travellers returning from destinations in Asia, Australasia, and Africa. Some inbound flights have been diverted to alternative airports, including Muscat in Oman, Cairo in Egypt, and Athens in Greece, as airlines scramble to manage the crisis.
Qatar Airways has issued a statement confirming it is working closely with authorities to address the situation. The airline expects significant delays once operations resume and has deployed extra staff to assist affected passengers, prioritising safety above all else. The suspension underscores the broader regional instability impacting global air travel.
