Gulf Skies Clear as Airspace Reopens Amid Gulf Crisis

Gulf states have reopened their airspace and resumed operations at major airports following swift precautionary closures in response to Iran’s missile assault on the US-operated Al Udeid Air Base near Doha. The suspension affected vital hubs such as Hamad International Airport, Dubai International, Bahrain and Kuwait, forcing dozens of flight reroutes and cancellations.

Iran launched a barrage of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles targeting Al Udeid, home to the US Central Command. Qatar’s air defence systems successfully intercepted all missiles, with no injuries or structural damage reported. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry issued a firm condemnation, and US officials confirmed that thousands of personnel were unharmed.

The closure was enacted as a precaution ahead of the strikes. Qatar Airways announced the suspension on X, noting that the move ensured passenger safety. Airlines such as Singapore Airlines and Finnair had already begun cancelling flights to Doha and Dubai in anticipation. State media confirmed that Bahrain and Kuwait also followed suit before restoring airspace within hours.

Disruptions encompassed dozens of flights, including the diversion of Qatar Airways services from London Gatwick and Heathrow to airports across Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt and India. One Gatwick‑Doha flight was diverted to Riyadh, while others were redirected to Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Muscat, Cairo, Istanbul, Goa, Delhi and Mumbai. Air India halted its routes to and from the Middle East, North America and Europe, and returned in‑flight aircraft to origin airports.

The timing magnified the disruption. Hamad International typically handles around 140,000 passengers daily. Traffic plummeted as the temporary closure created a silent sky over a previously bustling route corridor connecting Europe, Asia and Africa.

Qatar lifted its airspace restrictions roughly four hours after initial missile launches, resuming flights by early evening local time. The US embassy in Doha and the UK government rescinded shelter‑in‑place advisories for their citizens. Qatar Airways stated that it deployed extra staff to assist passengers during the recovery phase.

While this disruption has eased, the episode signals deeper tensions across Middle Eastern air routes. Earlier this month, airlines were forced into long detours due to airspace closures following Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites on 13 June. Now, averting overflight of Qatar, UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait has further constricted regional air corridors, increasing flight times and costs.

This incident underscores growing challenges for carriers operating in the region. Aviation analytics firm Cirium recorded nearly two dozen flight diversions to Doha on the day of the strike, alongside multiple reroutes via Dubai. Airlines including Etihad, British Airways, Air France‑KLM, Iberia and Air Astana announced widespread cancellations on Gulf routes. Finnair extended its suspension of flights to Doha until at least 30 June.

Further complicating the situation, aviation risk specialists warn of GPS spoofing in the region, where ground-based interference manipulates aircraft positioning — a hazard worsened by geopolitical conflict zones.

Iran claimed the missile strike was proportional to US action against its nuclear infrastructure, framing it as a clear message that it would respond to any aggression. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei posted a burning US flag on social media, declaring, “We will not surrender to anyone’s aggression”. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said the target was chosen to avoid civilian casualties and that the attack did not threaten Qatar.

Impassioned diplomatic responses followed. Qatar, a frequent mediator in regional crises, condemned the attack and urged a return to diplomacy. The US reaffirmed “strong” military ties with Doha and praised Qatar’s cooperation during the incident.