Air travel across the Middle East faced fresh disruptions after Iran launched retaliatory attacks on a US air base in Qatar, adding to the ongoing regional volatility impacting airline operations.
Multiple Middle Eastern countries temporarily closed their airspace, forcing airlines to cancel, reroute, or divert flights. Travelers with routes passing through the region have been advised to stay updated with their airlines for the latest travel information.
Qatar Airways confirmed that it has resumed flights to and from Hamad International Airport following the reopening of Qatari airspace. Similarly, Dubai Airports announced that full operations have now resumed after a brief precautionary suspension.
However, some airlines continue to face severe disruptions. Air India announced the immediate suspension of all flights to the Middle East, as well as services to and from the east coast of North America and Europe, until further notice due to the evolving situation.
Singapore Airlines also cancelled its Singapore-Dubai flights scheduled for June 24 and 25. Meanwhile, Australian carrier Qantas reported that its flights between Australia and Europe scheduled for June 24 are continuing as planned.
Experts say that such disruptions, driven by conflict, have become a routine challenge for the global aviation industry.
“Airlines have teams constantly monitoring airspace and assessing risk,” said Brendan Sobie, a Singapore-based aviation consultant. “Even if airspace is technically open, some airlines might still consider it unsafe and choose to reroute.”
The situation highlights the increasing need for flexibility and rapid response within the aviation sector as geopolitical tensions continue to shape international travel routes.
