Qatar Airways and Emirates have suspended flights on Saturday after several Gulf countries temporarily closed their airspace, following the Israeli attack on Iran.

 

Qatar Airways announced the suspension of all flights to and from Doha after Qatari authorities closed the country’s airspace as a precautionary measure amid the escalating conflict involving Israel, the United States (US), and Iran.

 

“The airline is working closely with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume operations when the airspace re-opens. Once usual operations resume, we anticipate delays to our flight schedule,” Qatar Airways said in a statement.

 

The airline said it deployed additional ground staff at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist affected passengers. “The safety of our passengers and employees is always our highest priority, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused,” the statement added.

 

Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority earlier confirmed the temporary suspension of air traffic in Qatari airspace, describing the move as a precaution in response to developments in the region.

 

Emirates also temporarily halted flights to and from Dubai due to airspace disruptions. The airline advised passengers to check the latest flight updates on its official website before heading to the airport. Emirates said affected passengers could choose options including rebooking, refunds, or alternative travel arrangements.

 

At Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport, several flights were cancelled or delayed because of partial airspace restrictions.

 

Other Gulf countries, including Kuwait and Iraq, also announced temporary airspace measures as the situation continued to unfold.

 

Airspace closures followed Israeli attacks on Iran, with foreign media reporting explosions in Tehran, including areas near University Street and the Jomhouri district. 

 

Reports also suggested retaliatory activity targeting northern Israel, though it remained unclear whether these involved direct impacts or interceptions.

 

Iran also targted US military bases in several countries, including Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Unconfirmed claims of explosions in Dubai also circulated on social media, but authorities issued no official confirmation at the time of reporting.