In response to Iran’s missile attacks on Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, home to US forces, Air India on Monday announced the immediate suspension of all flights traversing Middle Eastern airspace.
The decision comes amid growing regional tensions and the temporary closure of Qatari airspace, which plays a vital role as a transit route for Indian carriers flying to Europe, West Asia, and Africa.
Following the strikes, Air India Express confirmed it had already taken precautionary measures by diverting or cancelling affected flights. “Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East and the suspension of Qatar’s airspace, our Kochi-Doha flight was rerouted to Muscat, while a flight from Kannur was turned back,” a spokesperson said.
The airline further clarified that it currently has no other flights scheduled to Qatar and no aircraft stationed there.
Other regional carriers, including Kuwait Airways, IndiGo, and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), have also halted operations to the Middle East and issued travel advisories for passengers.
