Flights to Doha diverted as Qatari airspace reportedly shut down

International flights bound for Doha are being diverted to nearby airports, according to live aviation tracker Flight Radar, amid reports that Qatari airspace has been temporarily shut down.

Media reports state Doha has shut its airspace “in order to ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors”.

It comes after Iran said it would respond “proportionately and decisively” following US attacks in Iran over the weekend.

 

Qatar is home to the largest US military base in the Middle East, with analysts saying it could potentially be targeted after Washington’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

Flight Radar reported there were 100 flights bound for Doha when the announcement was reportedly made by the Qatari foreign ministry.

 

More: Raft of travel alerts and flight cancellations after US strike on Iran 

It added the last flight to land at Hamad International airport (DOH) was a Qatar Airways flight from Los Angeles at 3.31pm local time, and the last flight to take off was an Etihad Airways flight to Abu Dhabi at 2.43pm.

 

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FDCO) advice for UK nationals in a host of countries including Israel, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait was updated in the wake of the attacks over the weekend, with travellers being warned against all travel to some areas.  

 

The FCDO warned: “Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region.  

 

“There is a possibility of travel disruption, including short-notice airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights, and other unanticipated travel impacts.”

 

The latest advisory for Israel noted that “Iran aligned militia groups” are likely to continue to conduct attacks after the US launched military strikes.

 

“This is a fast-moving situation that poses significant risks,” the FCDO added. “The situation has the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning.”

 

The FDCO continues to advise against travel to all of Israel, Palestine, Iran, and Yemen, and parts of Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon.