Qatar Airways has elevated its partnership with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) by operating a specially branded Boeing 777 aircraft featuring the club’s emblem and a unique UEFA Champions League livery to transport the team to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™. This special flight symbolizes the deepening collaboration between the airline and the French football powerhouse, which was recently extended through 2028. The renewal reflects shared values of excellence, ambition, and innovation, blending the worlds of aviation, sports, fashion, and lifestyle.

The specially liveried Boeing 777 carried PSG’s players, coaching staff, and officials from Paris to the tournament, showcasing Qatar Airways’ role as the club’s principal partner and official airline. The airline’s logo continues to feature prominently on PSG’s “rouge & bleu” shirts, training apparel, and warm-up jerseys across all competitions, including Ligue 1 and UEFA tournaments.

Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer emphasized the partnership’s significance, stating it embodies a shared vision of connecting and inspiring people worldwide while pushing the boundaries of excellence both on the pitch and in the skies. PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi highlighted the collaboration’s creativity and innovation, noting a groundbreaking in-flight virtual press conference held aboard a Qatar Airways flight earlier in 2025, demonstrating the synergy between the two brands.\

Beyond branding, the partnership offers fans unique experiences, including exclusive travel packages through Qatar Airways Holidays that bring supporters to Paris to watch PSG’s star players like Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi live. The airline also provides advanced onboard technology, including complimentary gate-to-gate Wi-Fi powered by Starlink, enabling the team to stay connected with their global fanbase in real time during flights.

This special UEFA Champions League Boeing 777 flight to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ not only highlights Qatar Airways’ commitment to global football but also strengthens its engagement with PSG’s hundreds of millions of fans worldwide, setting new standards for sports sponsorship and fan interaction.

Qatar Airways has unveiled its "One Year to Go" campaign to mark the final countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026™, launching a global initiative that celebrates football’s heritage and builds anticipation for the tournament. The campaign is centered around a special video that follows the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy as it travels from Lusail, Qatar—where Argentina’s victory over France concluded the 2022 tournament—across the Atlantic to New York, the host city for the 2026 final.

The journey is highlighted by the participation of legendary football icons Roberto Baggio and Romario, who famously competed in the 1994 World Cup final in the United States, adding a nostalgic and emotional touch to the campaign.

Qatar Airways cabin crew are depicted on a mission to hand-deliver football’s most prestigious prize to Baggio and Romario, symbolizing the handover of the tournament legacy to the new host nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The campaign video also features hidden messages, encouraging fans to engage by spotting these clues and commenting on the airline’s Instagram page for a chance to win an all-inclusive travel package to the 2026 World Cup, including flights, hotel stays, transfers, and match tickets.

Qatar Airways Holidays is preparing to launch comprehensive travel packages for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, which will be the largest in history with 48 teams and over 104 matches across 16 host cities in three countries. These packages will include international and domestic flights, four- and five-star hotel accommodations, airport and stadium transfers, and match tickets, providing fans with a seamless and premium experience from departure to the final whistle. Registration for these packages is now open, and they will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis through a user-friendly platform.

The airline’s partnership with FIFA extends through 2030, reflecting Qatar Airways’ commitment to connecting fans globally and supporting major sporting events. This campaign not only commemorates the World Cup’s rich legacy but also reinforces Qatar Airways’ role as a leader in sports sponsorship, with partnerships spanning football, tennis, rugby, basketball, and motorsport.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, emphasized the airline’s mission to unite people through football and deliver unforgettable experiences for fans, officials, and teams traveling to the historic 2026 World Cup, promising curated fan experiences and all-inclusive travel solutions for the world’s most anticipated football event.

Qatar Airways has elevated its partnership with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) by operating a specially branded Boeing 777 aircraft featuring the club’s emblem and a unique UEFA Champions League livery to transport the team to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™. This special flight symbolizes the deepening collaboration between the airline and the French football powerhouse, which was recently extended through 2028. The renewal reflects shared values of excellence, ambition, and innovation, blending the worlds of aviation, sports, fashion, and lifestyle.

The specially liveried Boeing 777 carried PSG’s players, coaching staff, and officials from Paris to the tournament, showcasing Qatar Airways’ role as the club’s principal partner and official airline. The airline’s logo continues to feature prominently on PSG’s “rouge & bleu” shirts, training apparel, and warm-up jerseys across all competitions, including Ligue 1 and UEFA tournaments.

Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer emphasized the partnership’s significance, stating it embodies a shared vision of connecting and inspiring people worldwide while pushing the boundaries of excellence both on the pitch and in the skies. PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi highlighted the collaboration’s creativity and innovation, noting a groundbreaking in-flight virtual press conference held aboard a Qatar Airways flight earlier in 2025, demonstrating the synergy between the two brands.\

Beyond branding, the partnership offers fans unique experiences, including exclusive travel packages through Qatar Airways Holidays that bring supporters to Paris to watch PSG’s star players like Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi live. The airline also provides advanced onboard technology, including complimentary gate-to-gate Wi-Fi powered by Starlink, enabling the team to stay connected with their global fanbase in real time during flights.

This special UEFA Champions League Boeing 777 flight to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ not only highlights Qatar Airways’ commitment to global football but also strengthens its engagement with PSG’s hundreds of millions of fans worldwide, setting new standards for sports sponsorship and fan interaction.

Israel’s missile strikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets early Friday, June 13, 2025, have thrown air travel across the Middle East and beyond into chaos, as airlines scramble to cancel, delay, or reroute flights amid widespread airspace closures and escalating security concerns.

The Israeli operation, codenamed “Rising Lion,” targeted key Iranian facilities and killed several top Iranian military commanders, prompting Iran, Iraq, and Jordan to immediately shut their airspace, while Israel closed Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport indefinitely.

Major Disruptions and Airlines Affected

Thousands of passengers have been stranded or forced to land in unexpected destinations as airlines vacated the skies over Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan. Air India, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and United Airlines were among the carriers that diverted or canceled flights, with some planes forced to return to their points of origin mid-flight. U.S. carriers Delta and United turned back flights from New York to Tel Aviv over the Atlantic as the news broke.

Israeli flag carrier El Al suspended all flights to and from Israel, and began moving aircraft out of the country for safety, while Israir and Arkia also evacuated their fleets from Tel Aviv. In the UAE, Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia canceled dozens of flights to destinations including Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.

Airports and Airspace Closures: Expanded Details

The Israeli military offensive against Iran has led to sweeping closures of airports and airspace across the Middle East, creating widespread disruption for airlines and passengers.

Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv, Israel)

• Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main international gateway, was closed to all arrivals and departures early Friday, June 13, 2025, following Israel’s strikes on Iranian targets.
• The closure is indefinite, with some reports suggesting it may last three to four days, though the Airports Authority has not issued an official timeline.
• All flights scheduled to land at Ben Gurion were either diverted to nearby airports such as Paphos (Cyprus), Athens (Greece), or Rome (Italy), or returned to their points of origin.
• The airport was fully evacuated as part of Operation Rising Lion, and the departure board was marked entirely in red, indicating universal cancellations.
• Israeli carriers El Al, Arkia, and Israir suspended all operations, advised passengers not to come to the airport, and halted new bookings until at least the end of June.
• Passengers stranded abroad have reported confusion and a lack of assistance, with many scrambling to arrange accommodation and access necessary medication.

Iranian, Iraqi, Jordanian, and Syrian Airspace

• Iran, Iraq, and Jordan all closed their airspace in response to the escalation, and Syria’s airspace also saw a significant reduction in commercial traffic.
• Iran’s civil aviation authority suspended all domestic and international flights, with Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport closed until at least Saturday morning, according to state media.
• Jordan’s Queen Alia International Airport in Amman was also shut down, with no specified reopening date; travelers were advised to check directly with airlines for updates.
• The closure of these airspaces has forced airlines to reroute flights, often resulting in significant delays and longer flight paths.
• Major UAE Airports (Dubai DXB, DWC, Abu Dhabi Zayed International): Reported delays, cancellations, and rerouting, with passengers urged to check directly with airlines for updates.

Major Airlines and Routes Impacted

Airlines have responded by suspending or diverting flights across the region:

• Emirates canceled flights to and from Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel, with dozens of services disrupted at Dubai International and Al Maktoum International airports.
• Etihad Airways canceled flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv and delayed other regional services.
• flydubai suspended operations to Amman, Beirut, Damascus, Iran, and Israel, with many flights rerouted or returned to departure airports.
• Air Arabia halted flights to Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
• Qatar Airways temporarily canceled flights to Iran and Iraq.
• Turkish Airlines diverted some flights to Baku, Azerbaijan.
• El Al and other Israeli carriers suspended all flights, evacuated aircraft from Tel Aviv, and stopped new bookings until at least the end of June.
• Delta and United Airlines canceled flights to Tel Aviv and turned back planes mid-journey.
• Lufthansa suspended flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran until July 31, and to Jordan and Lebanon until at least June 20.
• Wizz Air and Ryanair halted flights to Israel.
• Air India diverted or returned more than a dozen flights, affecting routes from New York, London, Vancouver, and Washington, D.C..
• Aegean Airlines canceled all flights to and from Tel Aviv for June 13.

Full List of Affected Airlines and Destinations

Operational and Safety Concerns

The shutdown comes at a critical time as airlines were ramping up for the summer travel season, amplifying the impact on travelers and airline operations. Flightradar24 data showed a dramatic drop in flights over the affected region, with some aircraft spending hours in the air before being forced to return to their origin airports. Airlines are offering travel vouchers and waiving change fees for affected passengers.

Escalating Security Risks

The attacks and subsequent airspace closures have heightened security risks, with Israel’s defense forces on high alert for retaliation and Iran reportedly launching drones toward Israel in response. The U.S. has evacuated embassy staff across the region, and airlines are bracing for further disruptions if the conflict intensifies.

Travel Advisory

Passengers are strongly advised to check directly with airlines and airports for the latest updates before traveling, as the situation remains fluid and further cancellations or rerouting are expected.

An Air India flight from Phuket to New Delhi was forced to make an emergency landing at Phuket International Airport on Friday after a bomb threat note was discovered on board, prompting a swift and comprehensive security response. The incident occurred shortly after Flight AI 379, carrying 156 passengers and crew, departed Phuket at 9:30 AM local time.

The threat came to light when a handwritten message reading “F*** you all bomb” was found in one of the plane’s lavatories, which crew members immediately reported to authorities.

Following standard emergency protocols, the pilots circled the Andaman Sea before returning to Phuket, where the airport activated its Airport Contingency Plan. The aircraft was directed to an isolated parking bay, and all passengers were evacuated and taken to a secure holding area for thorough screening alongside their luggage.

Firefighters, police, and medical teams were positioned on the tarmac, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams conducted systematic searches of the aircraft and cargo hold.

Despite an extensive investigation, no explosives or suspicious items were found, and authorities could not determine who wrote the threatening note. Police questioned several suspects but were unable to identify the perpetrator. Air India conducted an internal review, focusing on passengers seated near the restroom and a family involved in a seating dispute, but declined to provide further details as the investigation is ongoing.

After several hours and a full security sweep, 155 of the original 156 passengers were cleared to continue their journey to New Delhi, with one Indian male passenger opting not to travel further—though he was not considered a suspect. The incident did not disrupt other airport operations, and Thai officials emphasized that all safety standards were rigorously followed.

This bomb threat came just a day after a deadly Air India crash in Ahmedabad, which killed over 240 people, intensifying scrutiny on the airline’s safety protocols. The Indian aviation sector has also seen a dramatic rise in bomb threats, with nearly 1,000 hoax calls and messages recorded in the first ten months of last year—almost ten times the total from 2023. A full report on the Phuket incident is expected within 30 days, as authorities in both Thailand and India continue their investigations.

Flight operations at Kuwait International Airport have been significantly disrupted due to escalating tensions in the region, prompting the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to announce the diversion, cancellation, and rescheduling of several flights on Friday, June 13. The DGCA is actively coordinating with airlines to manage both inbound and outbound flights, ensuring passenger safety and operational continuity amid the ongoing regional situation.

Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Iran, citing the evolving security environment, and is providing regular updates and support to affected passengers. Meanwhile, Kuwait Airways has maintained normal operations but remains on high alert, prepared to implement contingency plans if the situation deteriorates further. The disruptions come as several international carriers have also adjusted routes or suspended flights in response to heightened tensions following recent Israeli strikes on Iran.

These operational challenges add to Kuwait International Airport’s broader struggles. The airport has seen a notable decline in passenger traffic—down 1% in 2024 to 15.4 million travelers—while neighboring Gulf airports such as Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi have reported robust double-digit growth. Fourteen international airlines, including British Airways, Lufthansa, and KLM, have withdrawn from Kuwait in recent months, citing rising jet fuel costs, intensifying regional competition, and persistent infrastructure shortcomings.

Aviation analysts warn that unless Kuwait undertakes urgent reforms to modernize its airport facilities and improve passenger services, it risks further losing its strategic position as a regional air hub. The current disruptions, combined with the airport’s declining competitiveness, could lead to longer travel times, fewer direct connections, and higher costs for travelers, particularly for expatriate communities reliant on Kuwait as a transit point.

As the situation evolves, the DGCA and airlines continue to monitor developments closely, emphasizing their commitment to passenger safety and operational readiness in the face of regional uncertainties.