Qatar airspace reopens after Iranian missiles targeting US military base near Doha intercepted 

Qatar flight suspensions have been lifted after Iranian missiles targeting Al-Udeid, the largest US military base in the Middle East near the capital of Doha, were intercepted.

 

A warning by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for British citizens in the Qatari capital to “shelter in place” due to Iran’s retaliation against the US bombing three of its nuclear programme facilities on Saturday evening was relaxed last night.

 

Latest travel advice for Qatar said: “Following interceptions of Iranian missiles fired towards Qatar, the FCDO has been in touch with the local authorities and international partners, and reviewed the security situation. 

 

"British nationals do not need to shelter in place and should continue to follow advice from the local authorities.”

 

The updates came as US president Trump claimed a ceasefire had been agreed between Israel and Iran but there was no immediate response from either country involved in the conflict. 

 

More than 20 flights scheduled to land in Doha yesterday were diverted due to the closure of airspace ahead of the Iranian missile assault, including Qatar Airways services from Heathrow and Gatwick, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

 

Qantas diverted a non-stop Perth-Heathrow service to Singapore on Monday while a flight to Paris returned to Perth “due to additional airspace closures and congestion through the Middle East”.  

 

The Australian carrier said flights from Sydney to London via Singapore and Perth-London would operate as planned today (Tuesday).

 

“We have a number of flight paths that we utilise for our flights to Europe, and we proactively alter these where required based on factors including weather and security,” Qantas said.

    

Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority reopened the country’s airspace with the agency posting to X that things would return to “normal” after taking “necessary measures in co-ordination with relevant authorities”, according to a translation. 

 

Qatar Airways, confirming the reinstatement of flights following the reopening of airspace in Qatar, said: “Our focus at this time is to help our passengers return home or reach their onward journey safely and smoothly.

 

“We are working tirelessly with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to restore operations as quickly as possible.

 

“We have also deployed additional ground staff at Hamad International airport and other key airports to assist affected passengers by minimising disruptions and offering the utmost care and support to all customers.”

 

However, the airline added: “As operations resume, we anticipate significant delays to our flight schedule. 

 

“The safety of our passengers and crew is the first and highest priority at all times.”

 

Emirates confirmed that an unspecified number of flights to Dubai were re-routed on Monday.

 

The airline added: “After a thorough and careful risk assessment, Emirates will continue to operate flights as scheduled, using flight paths well distanced from conflict areas.

 

"Some flights may incur delays due to longer re‑routings or airspace congestion, but Emirates’ teams are working hard to keep to schedule and minimise any disruption or inconvenience to our customers.

 

“Emirates will continue to actively monitor the situation, engage with relevant stakeholders, and adjust our operations in line with the latest updates. We adhere to all regulatory requirements for our operations, and follow bulletins issued by the aviation authorities.

 

“The safety and security of our passengers and crew are our absolute priority. We will only ever fly if it is safe to do so.”

 

Etihad Airways cancelled five flights yesterday and four today serving destinations in the Gulf region from Abu Dhabi.

 

The airline said: “This remains a highly dynamic situation, and further changes or disruption may occur at short notice. Etihad continues to monitor developments closely in coordination with the relevant authorities and is taking all necessary precautions.  

 

“Etihad Airways flights only operate through approved airspace, safety is always our highest priority and we would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so.”

 

Inspire Europe chief executive Lisa Henning said: "Over the past 24 hours our homeworking community has been receiving calls from concerned clients who are seeking clarity and reassurance about their travel arrangements during this challenging period. 

 

“Fortunately, in such situations, they can also contact their customers proactively to provide advice and guidance, as they have immediate access to their own specialised airline portal, allowing them to filter departures in minutes.”