Tuesday, 24 June 2025

UAE Closes Airspace Following Regional Escalations and Missile Reports

Published: Monday, June 23, 2025
UAE Closes Airspace Following Regional Escalations and Missile Reports

The United Arab Emirates has closed its airspace, according to flight tracking data and air traffic control audio cited in a post by FlightRadar on X. The development follows Qatar’s earlier decision to temporarily suspend air traffic in its airspace amid heightened regional tensions.

The closures come in the wake of a report by Axios, which quoted an Israeli official claiming that Iran had launched 10 missiles targeting U.S. military bases in Qatar. While no official statement has yet been issued by UAE authorities, the airspace shutdown appears to be a precautionary response to unfolding events in the region.

Both countries are reportedly coordinating closely with international partners as the situation continues to develop.

US Embassy in Bahrain Cuts Staff Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Published: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
US Embassy in Bahrain Cuts Staff Amid Rising Regional Tensions

The US Embassy in Bahrain has announced a temporary reduction of its on-site staff, shifting a portion of employees to remote work in response to heightened regional tensions. The embassy stated on June 23 that it remains open and continues to provide both routine and emergency consular services, but warned that visitors may experience longer wait times due to the reduced on-site presence.

This decision follows a wave of precautionary measures across the Middle East after a recent escalation involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

The move in Bahrain is part of a broader US strategy to safeguard its personnel in the region. The State Department has also ordered the departure of all nonessential staff from the US Embassy in Baghdad and authorized the voluntary departure of nonessential personnel and their families from embassies in Bahrain and Kuwait.

These departures are being facilitated at government expense and with official support. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has further authorized the voluntary departure of military dependents from various locations in the region, with US Central Command closely monitoring the evolving situation.

The recent surge in tensions is linked to stalled negotiations between the US and Iran over Tehran's nuclear program, which has led to increased concerns about regional security and the safety of American diplomatic and military personnel. President Donald Trump commented on the situation, stating, "They are being moved out, because it could be a dangerous place, and we'll see what happens. We've given notice to move out, and we'll see what happens".

Despite the reduction in staff, US officials have emphasized that the embassy in Manama is not being evacuated and will maintain its operations, underscoring a continued commitment to diplomatic engagement and consular support in Bahrain during this period of uncertainty

Jazeera Airways Suspends All Flights After Kuwait Closes Airspace

Published: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Jazeera Airways Suspends All Flights After Kuwait Closes Airspace

Jazeera Airways has announced the immediate suspension and delay of all its flights after the closure of Kuwait’s airspace. The airline stated that the safety of its passengers and crew remains its top priority, and the suspension will remain in effect until further notice.

Passengers scheduled to travel to or from Kuwait have been advised not to go to the airport unless they receive specific instructions from the airline. Jazeera Airways also warned that several other routes may experience disruptions due to the airspace closure.

The airline is closely monitoring the situation and has pledged to notify affected passengers of any schedule changes. Travelers are encouraged to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

For the latest updates, passengers are urged to visit the Travel Alerts page on the Jazeera Airways website (www.jazeeraairways.com). Customers needing assistance can contact the airline’s customer service team at 177 (within Kuwait) or +965 2205 4944 (internationally).

Jazeera Airways apologized for the inconvenience and thanked passengers for their understanding during this period of disruption.

Qatar Airways Temporarily Suspends Flights Amid Air Traffic Closure

Published: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Qatar Airways Temporarily Suspends Flights Amid Air Traffic Closure

In light of the recent closure of air traffic movement in the State of Qatar, Qatar Airways has announced a temporary suspension of its flights. This decision comes amid ongoing airspace restrictions that have impacted numerous airlines operating in the region.

Qatar Airways is actively collaborating with government officials and relevant authorities to assist passengers affected by this disruption. The airline has set up customer support teams to provide guidance and alternative travel options for those with upcoming flights. Passengers are encouraged to check the airline's website for the latest information and updates on their bookings.

Operations will resume as soon as airspace is reopened, but no specific timeline has been provided.

The safety and security of passengers and crew remain the top priority for Qatar Airways. The airline is committed to keeping its customers informed throughout this situation and ensuring their well-being during travel disruptions.

Gulf States Close Airspace Amid Escalating Tensions Following Iranian Strikes

Published: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Gulf States Close Airspace Amid Escalating Tensions Following Iranian Strikes

Several Gulf nations suspended air traffic and closed their airspace on Monday after Iran launched missile strikes on U.S. military bases in Qatar and Iraq, an escalation that followed American attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.

Bahrain Halts Flights After Iranian Attack

Bahrain temporarily suspended all air traffic as a precautionary measure following the Iranian missile attack on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in neighboring Qatar. The Civil Aviation Affairs of the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications announced the move “as a precautionary measure in light of recent regional developments,” according to a statement carried by the official Bahrain News Agency. Bahrain, which hosts the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, cited security concerns as the primary reason for the airspace closure.

Kuwait and Qatar Follow Suit

Kuwait also shut its airspace starting Monday and until further notice, citing the deteriorating security situation in the region. The decision, reported by the state news agency Kuna, came shortly after similar closures by Bahrain and Qatar. Kuwait Airways suspended all departing flights in response to the escalating crisis.

Qatar, where the targeted U.S. base is located, announced its own temporary airspace closure. The Qatari foreign ministry said the measure was taken to safeguard residents and travelers amid the heightened tensions, following renewed Iranian warnings of retaliation against the United States.

UAE Closes Airspace Amid Regional Crisis

The United Arab Emirates also closed its airspace, according to flight tracking data and air traffic control audio cited by aviation monitoring services. While UAE authorities have yet to issue an official statement, a government spokesperson confirmed the country is “closely monitoring the ongoing regional developments and is continuously assessing the situation”.

Airlines Reroute Flights as Crisis Unfolds

The widespread airspace closures have led to significant disruptions in regional air traffic, with multiple international airlines canceling or rerouting flights across the Middle East. The closures come amid fears of further escalation after Iran’s armed forces announced what they called “a mighty and successful response” to U.S. actions, launching missiles at American military facilities in Qatar and Iraq.

Qatari Air Defenses Intercept Missile Attack on Al-Udeid Air Base, No Casualties Reported

Published: Monday, June 23, 2025
Qatari Air Defenses Intercept Missile Attack on Al-Udeid Air Base, No Casualties Reported

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that Qatar’s air defense systems successfully intercepted a missile attack targeting Al-Udeid Air Base.

In an official statement, the Ministry noted that, "Thanks to God, the vigilance of the armed forces, and the precautionary measures taken, the incident did not result in any deaths or injuries."

The Ministry reassured the public that the airspace and territory of the State of Qatar remain secure, emphasizing the readiness of the Qatar Armed Forces to respond to any potential threat.

Citizens and residents have been advised to follow official channels for updates and guidance regarding the situation.