Qatar Airways announced on Monday the reinstatement of its flight operations after the temporary closure of Qatar’s airspace due to regional security tensions. The airspace had been closed following Iranian missile strikes on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which led to a suspension of flights and disruptions across the Middle East aviation network.

In an official statement, Qatar Airways emphasized its commitment to helping passengers return home or continue their journeys safely and smoothly. “We are working tirelessly with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to restore operations as quickly as possible,” the airline said.

To support affected travelers, Qatar Airways has deployed additional ground staff at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to minimize disruptions and provide comprehensive assistance and care. The airline cautioned that significant delays are expected as operations resume and urged passengers to check flight statuses on qatarairways.com or via the Qatar Airways mobile app before traveling.

The reopening of Qatar’s airspace coincides with Dubai Airports also resuming full operations after a temporary suspension caused by the same regional conflict. Dubai Airports highlighted ongoing collaboration with airlines to maintain flight schedules but warned that delays or cancellations might still occur, advising travelers to stay updated through their airlines.

The recent escalation in the Middle East has led to widespread flight cancellations and rerouting by several international carriers, including British Airways, Air France, and Singapore Airlines, due to airspace closures over Iran, Iraq, and surrounding regions. These developments have extended flight times and complicated travel routes between Europe and Asia, as airlines avoid conflict zones.

Qatar Airways also recently adjusted some flight departure times to ensure network reliability amid the disruptions, prioritizing passenger safety and compliance with international aviation regulations.

Passengers affected by the suspension and resumption of flights are encouraged to monitor official airline communications closely and allow extra time for travel as the situation stabilizes. The airline reaffirmed that the safety of its passengers and crew remains its highest priority throughout this period.

Dubai Airports has confirmed the full resumption of operations across all its facilities following a temporary precautionary suspension triggered by regional security developments. The suspension was prompted by Iran’s overnight strike on the U.S. airbase at Al Udeid in Qatar, which led to the temporary closure of Qatar’s airspace and rerouting of numerous flights in the Gulf region.

The airport authority emphasized that the safety and well-being of passengers and aviation staff remain the highest priority. Dubai Airports is actively coordinating with airlines to restore normal flight schedules and ensure flights operate according to approved plans. However, travelers should expect some delays or cancellations as operations stabilize.

Passengers are strongly advised to check the latest flight updates directly with their airlines before traveling. Dubai Airports, which manages Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport, continues to monitor the situation closely and work with all stakeholders to minimize disruptions.

The reopening of Qatar’s airspace early Tuesday morning, confirmed by the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Qatar News Agency, has helped ease regional air traffic flow. Nonetheless, residual impacts from the temporary airspace closures mean some flights across the Gulf may still face operational challenges.

In response to the heightened regional tensions, the UAE activated an emergency airport response plan to maintain passenger movement and airport operations with minimal delays. Support teams are assisting affected travelers with rescheduling and accommodation where necessary to ensure a smooth travel experience despite the exceptional circumstances.

Travelers are advised to allow extra time at airports and stay in close contact with their airlines for the latest information. Dubai Airports and other regional authorities continue to prioritize safety and service quality while managing the evolving situation.

This update reflects the latest developments as of June 24, 2025, 12:44 PM +06.

Oman Air has extended its temporary suspension of flights to several key destinations in the Gulf and beyond due to ongoing regional instability. The airline has halted services to and from Manama, Dubai, Doha, and Kuwait, citing recent developments that have disrupted normal air traffic operations. Additionally, flights to and from Jeddah, Medina, Riyadh, and Cairo scheduled before 06:00 UTC on June 24, 2025, have also been suspended.

The disruptions come amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region, which have led to airspace closures and necessitated longer, rerouted flight paths. Oman Air has warned that flights across the rest of its network may experience delays as a result of these extended routes.

Beyond the Gulf, Oman Air has also suspended flights to Amman, Jordan, with cancellations in place until at least June 24, 2025. The airline had earlier cancelled flights to Amman from mid-June and extended the suspension multiple times due to the ongoing situation. European-bound flights are being rerouted to avoid affected airspace, reflecting the broader impact of the regional conflict on international routes.

Passengers are strongly urged to check the status of their flights on Oman Air’s official website before heading to the airport to avoid inconvenience. The airline continues to monitor the situation closely and promises to provide timely updates as conditions evolve.

Oman Air has expressed gratitude for passengers’ understanding and cooperation during this uncertain period and reaffirmed that the safety and wellbeing of its guests and crew remain its highest priority.

This move aligns with similar actions by other regional carriers, such as SalamAir and Emirates, which have also suspended flights to countries including Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon amid ongoing tensions.

Travelers planning trips to or through the Gulf and neighboring regions are advised to stay informed through official airline channels and prepare for potential disruptions in the coming days.

Hong Kong International Airport experienced significant disruption early Tuesday as nearly 200 passengers were left stranded due to the unexpected closure of Qatar’s airspace amid escalating Middle East tensions.
Qatar Airways Flight QR815, scheduled to depart Hong Kong for Doha at 1:25 a.m., was cancelled after Qatar joined several regional countries in shutting down their airspace following Iranian missile strikes on U.S. military bases in Iraq and Qatar. The missile attacks were Iran’s response to recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Passengers reported growing frustration as hours passed without updates. Mr. Wu, a stranded traveller, said they waited until nearly 4 a.m. with no information on the flight’s status. Eventually, Qatar Airways staff confirmed the cancellation, instructing passengers to collect their luggage and offering ticket cancellations without compensation, which sparked heated complaints at the boarding gates.

The missile strikes targeted Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a critical U.S. military installation. Qatar’s Ministry of Defence stated that its air defence systems intercepted most missiles, minimizing damage.

By 5:10 a.m., Qatar reopened its airspace, allowing Qatar Airways to resume normal operations. The airline issued a statement on social media around 5:20 a.m., confirming flight resumptions and pledging support for affected passengers. Additional ground staff were deployed at Hamad International Airport to facilitate the transition back to normal service.

Despite the reopening, uncertainty remains about delays for six scheduled flights on Tuesday between Hong Kong and Gulf destinations including Doha and Dubai. Qatar Airways and Emirates have not commented on potential ongoing disruptions.

The airspace closure also forced mid-flight diversions. Qatar Airways Flight QR817, en route from Hong Kong to Doha, diverted to Bengaluru, India, after reaching Indian airspace. Another flight, QR803, diverted to Muscat, Oman. At least three cargo flights from Hong Kong to Doha were cancelled, compounding logistical challenges amid the volatile regional situation.

This incident underscores the broader geopolitical tensions triggered by Iran’s missile strikes following U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, impacting regional air travel and freight operations.

Qatar Airways announced on Monday the reinstatement of its flight operations after the temporary closure of Qatar’s airspace due to regional security tensions. The airspace had been closed following Iranian missile strikes on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which led to a suspension of flights and disruptions across the Middle East aviation network.

In an official statement, Qatar Airways emphasized its commitment to helping passengers return home or continue their journeys safely and smoothly. “We are working tirelessly with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to restore operations as quickly as possible,” the airline said.

To support affected travelers, Qatar Airways has deployed additional ground staff at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to minimize disruptions and provide comprehensive assistance and care. The airline cautioned that significant delays are expected as operations resume and urged passengers to check flight statuses on qatarairways.com or via the Qatar Airways mobile app before traveling.

The reopening of Qatar’s airspace coincides with Dubai Airports also resuming full operations after a temporary suspension caused by the same regional conflict. Dubai Airports highlighted ongoing collaboration with airlines to maintain flight schedules but warned that delays or cancellations might still occur, advising travelers to stay updated through their airlines.

The recent escalation in the Middle East has led to widespread flight cancellations and rerouting by several international carriers, including British Airways, Air France, and Singapore Airlines, due to airspace closures over Iran, Iraq, and surrounding regions. These developments have extended flight times and complicated travel routes between Europe and Asia, as airlines avoid conflict zones.

Qatar Airways also recently adjusted some flight departure times to ensure network reliability amid the disruptions, prioritizing passenger safety and compliance with international aviation regulations.

Passengers affected by the suspension and resumption of flights are encouraged to monitor official airline communications closely and allow extra time for travel as the situation stabilizes. The airline reaffirmed that the safety of its passengers and crew remains its highest priority throughout this period.

The US Embassy in Bahrain has announced a temporary reduction of its on-site staff, shifting a portion of employees to remote work in response to heightened regional tensions. The embassy stated on June 23 that it remains open and continues to provide both routine and emergency consular services, but warned that visitors may experience longer wait times due to the reduced on-site presence.

This decision follows a wave of precautionary measures across the Middle East after a recent escalation involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

The move in Bahrain is part of a broader US strategy to safeguard its personnel in the region. The State Department has also ordered the departure of all nonessential staff from the US Embassy in Baghdad and authorized the voluntary departure of nonessential personnel and their families from embassies in Bahrain and Kuwait.

These departures are being facilitated at government expense and with official support. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has further authorized the voluntary departure of military dependents from various locations in the region, with US Central Command closely monitoring the evolving situation.

The recent surge in tensions is linked to stalled negotiations between the US and Iran over Tehran's nuclear program, which has led to increased concerns about regional security and the safety of American diplomatic and military personnel. President Donald Trump commented on the situation, stating, "They are being moved out, because it could be a dangerous place, and we'll see what happens. We've given notice to move out, and we'll see what happens".

Despite the reduction in staff, US officials have emphasized that the embassy in Manama is not being evacuated and will maintain its operations, underscoring a continued commitment to diplomatic engagement and consular support in Bahrain during this period of uncertainty