Flight disruptions caused by a sudden airspace closure over key Middle Eastern countries have been resolved as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain lifted restrictions and reopened their skies for commercial flights from 3 a.m. Bangladesh time on June 24, 2025, according to a press release from Dhaka airport authorities.

The closure was triggered by a missile strike on a US military base in Doha on the night of June 23, prompting an immediate shutdown of airspace "until further notice" by Qatar and neighboring countries. This unexpected move forced several flights from Dhaka to divert mid-air. Notably, Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-325 was rerouted to Muscat, Oman, where it made an emergency landing for refueling before returning to Dhaka. Similarly, US-Bangla Airlines flight BS-333 was diverted to Ahmedabad, India, after being near Jamnagar.

The airspace closure disrupted numerous scheduled flights on June 23, including multiple services to Sharjah, Dubai, Kuwait, and Doha operated by airlines such as Air Arabia, Emirates, Jazeera Airways, Qatar Airways, Biman Bangladesh, and US-Bangla. However, these flights have now gradually resumed according to revised schedules.

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s Executive Director, Group Captain Ragib Samad, urged passengers traveling on these routes to urgently contact their airlines or travel agents to confirm updated flight times and make necessary arrangements. He also thanked passengers for their patience and assured that any further updates would be communicated promptly.

Flight operations at Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport have also returned to normal as of the morning of June 24. Although Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ BG127 Dhaka-Chattogram-Abu Dhabi flight was canceled on June 23, other scheduled international flights to Middle Eastern destinations departed on time.

 Airlines including Biman Bangladesh, US-Bangla, Salam Air, and Air Arabia are currently operating 11 to 18 daily flights from Shah Amanat Airport as per regular schedules.

This incident highlights the vulnerability of air travel in the region amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Aviation experts note that such airspace closures cause significant disruptions, increased operational costs, and ripple effects across global flight networks, especially in a region that serves as a major transit hub between Europe and Asia.

Authorities have expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and urged travelers to stay alert for further updates as the situation stabilizes.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has conveyed his regret to the Emir of Qatar following Iran’s missile assault on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base, emphasizing that neither Qatar nor its citizens were the intended targets of the strike. The attack, which took place on June 23, 2025, was carried out by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a direct retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities the previous day.

The Iranian operation, codenamed "Operation Annunciation of Victory," involved the launch of at least 14 short- and medium-range ballistic missiles at the U.S. base, which is the largest American military installation in the Middle East and serves as the regional headquarters for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council underscored that the action was not meant to threaten Qatar, highlighting the country’s commitment to maintaining its longstanding, friendly relations with the Gulf state.

Qatari authorities, having received advance warning from Iran, closed their airspace before the missiles arrived and coordinated with U.S. forces to intercept the majority of the projectiles using Patriot missile defense systems.

According to both Qatari and U.S. officials, no casualties or significant damage were reported, as the base had been largely evacuated in anticipation of the strike. Eyewitnesses in Doha reported seeing explosions in the sky as air defenses engaged the incoming missiles.

The attack prompted several neighboring Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq, to close their airspaces as a precaution. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned the Iranian strike as a violation of its sovereignty and international law, while affirming its right to respond in accordance with international norms.

President Pezeshkian’s outreach to the Qatari leadership is widely viewed as an effort to reassure Doha of Iran’s respect for Qatari sovereignty and to prevent further escalation amid heightened regional tensions.

The incident marks the most significant direct Iranian attack on a U.S. facility in the Gulf since the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani in 2020, and comes as U.S. military sites across the Middle East remain on high alert

Calm has returned to Qatar after a dramatic night in which Iran launched a missile attack on the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the Middle East, located about 35 kilometers southwest of Doha. On Monday, Iran fired 19 missiles at the base in retaliation for US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.

Qatari defense forces, supported by advanced air defense systems, successfully intercepted 18 of the incoming missiles, with no reported casualties or injuries among US, allied, or Qatari personnel. The base had been evacuated as a precaution before the attack, and authorities implemented swift safety measures, including closing Qatari airspace and suspending classes at schools the following day.

The missile barrage caused explosions to be heard over the Qatari capital, sparking brief panic among residents. Both the US and UK had advised their citizens to stay indoors during the attack. However, within 12 hours, life in Doha and across Qatar returned to normal, with traffic flowing and businesses reopening.

Many residents, reassured by the effectiveness of the country’s defenses and the rapid government response, resumed their daily routines. Some families even took advantage of the unexpected school closure for leisure activities, reflecting a swift recovery from the night’s anxiety.

Qatar’s government condemned the Iranian attack as a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty, airspace, and international law, warning that such escalations could risk broader regional conflict. 

Officials emphasized Qatar’s right to respond in accordance with international law and called for all parties to exercise restraint and return to diplomatic dialogue. The government reiterated its longstanding opposition to regional escalation and highlighted the dangers posed by ongoing military actions in the region.

The Al Udeid Air Base, which serves as the forward headquarters for US Central Command and hosts thousands of US and allied troops, was largely empty of aircraft during the attack, as many assets had been relocated in anticipation of possible Iranian retaliation. The base’s strategic importance, both for US operations and regional security, has made it a focal point in the ongoing tensions between Iran, the US, and their respective allies.

Despite the gravity of the incident, the rapid normalization of daily life in Qatar underscores both the resilience of its population and the preparedness of its security infrastructure. Government officials continue to monitor the situation closely, while urging a renewed focus on diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the region

In response to escalating tensions in the Middle East, Air India has suspended all flights to and from the Middle East, Europe, and the East Coast of North America. This suspension impacts key hubs such as Dubai, London, and New York, with flights from North America to India being rerouted or returned to their origin airports, including Newark and Toronto.

The move comes amid growing disruptions caused by the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict and recent missile attacks targeting US military bases in the region.

Air India has halted services connecting India with major destinations in the Gulf, Europe, and North America, emphasizing that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority. Flights already in the air are being rerouted away from restricted airspace or turned back based on safety assessments. The airline urges passengers to stay updated through its official website and social media channels.

Other carriers have also been affected by the regional instability. Etihad Airways confirmed route disruptions on June 23 and 24 due to Middle East airspace closures, maintaining close coordination with authorities to operate only safe flights. Turkish Airlines canceled flights to several Gulf cities, including Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, and Muscat, advising passengers to monitor official channels for updates. IndiGo has also warned of possible delays and diversions on flights to and from the Middle East.

The disruption follows a large-scale missile attack by Iran on the US-operated Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which was a retaliation to US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. These events have heightened regional instability, forcing airlines to reevaluate flight paths through affected areas.

All airlines involved have reiterated their commitment to safety and regulatory compliance, assuring passengers that flights will resume only when safe corridors are verified. Travelers are advised to check airline websites for the latest information, contact customer service for travel adjustments, and avoid traveling to airports without confirmed flight details.

As some Gulf states begin to reopen their airspace, allowing limited flight operations, the situation remains fluid. Airlines continue to adjust their schedules cautiously, prioritizing passenger safety amid the ongoing geopolitical crisis. This disruption highlights the significant impact of regional conflicts on global aviation and the challenges airlines face in maintaining safe and reliable services during such crises.

UAE’s Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has extended its flight cancellations to and from the UAE until June 30, citing the ongoing closure of multiple airspaces triggered by Iran’s recent missile strikes on a US base in Qatar. The airline had to divert numerous flights on Monday evening due to these closures, underscoring the severity of the regional disruption.

The suspension covers all UAE flights operated by Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, including routes to and from Amman and Beirut, which are also halted until June 30. Additionally, flights from Europe to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman remain suspended until September 15. The airline is offering affected passengers free rebooking or full refunds, either in Wizz credits or the original payment method.

This move aligns with similar actions by Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air, which has also suspended flights to the UAE. Furthermore, Wizz Air has announced a temporary suspension of flights from Krakow and Budapest to Abu Dhabi from late July until mid-September, reflecting the extended impact of the Middle East tensions on its network.

The flight cancellations come amid a broader wave of regional disruptions affecting major carriers such as Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia. These airlines have suspended or rerouted flights due to airspace restrictions over Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Syria, and neighboring countries. For instance, Air Arabia has suspended flights to Jordan, Iran, Iraq, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan until late June, and passengers with connections through Sharjah or Abu Dhabi to these destinations are currently not accepted for travel.

Zayed International Airport has issued multiple warnings about ongoing disruptions and advised passengers to check with their airlines before traveling to the airport, as delays and cancellations are expected to continue due to the volatile situation.

Passengers booked on Wizz Air Abu Dhabi flights are urged to monitor their booking status closely via email, text messages, or the airline’s website and app. Those who booked through travel agencies or third parties should contact their agents directly for assistance. The airline has reiterated that the safety and security of its passengers and crew remain its highest priority and will keep customers informed as the situation evolves.

In summary, the escalating conflict in the Middle East has led to unprecedented airspace closures, forcing Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and other regional carriers to suspend flights and reroute operations, with significant travel disruptions expected to persist through at least the end of June and beyond.

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.