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.