On June 24, 2025, an American Airlines flight operating from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) was forced to declare an emergency while en route and returned safely to Tokyo. The flight, designated AA168, departed Haneda at 10:55 UTC and was operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registration N831AA, which is just over 7.7 years old.

According to flight tracking data from FlightRadar24, the aircraft had been airborne for just over two hours when a medical issue was reported by a flight attendant. The nature of the medical emergency has not yet been disclosed, but the crew acted promptly, declaring an emergency and executing a U-turn to return to Haneda. The aircraft landed safely at 15:23 UTC.

Emergency medical teams were reportedly on standby at Haneda to assist upon arrival, and the affected passenger received immediate attention.

American Airlines maintains a strong presence on the Japan–U.S. route, operating one daily direct flight between JFK and Haneda. In addition, the airline has a codeshare agreement with Japan Airlines (JL), which operates two more daily flights on the same route. This partnership allows for greater flexibility and connectivity for passengers traveling between the United States and Japan.

Passengers on AA168 were accommodated in the terminal while the airline coordinated with local authorities and medical personnel. American Airlines issued a statement expressing gratitude for the professionalism of the crew and the swift response of Tokyo Haneda’s emergency services. The airline also confirmed that it was working to rebook affected passengers on the next available flights to New York.

This event comes just weeks after another American Airlines Boeing 787-9, operating a long-haul service from New Delhi (DEL) to New York (JFK), was diverted to Baku’s Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) due to a separate medical emergency onboard. In that incident, the aircraft landed safely at 02:30 local time, and local paramedics provided urgent care to the passenger involved.

The flight was held on the ground for several hours before resuming its journey, with a routing adjustment via London Heathrow (LHR) likely due to crew duty limitations.

Aviation experts note that while in-flight medical emergencies are rare, airlines are well-equipped and trained to handle such situations. Aircraft like the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner are equipped with advanced medical kits and defibrillators, and flight crews receive specialized training to manage emergencies until the aircraft can reach the nearest suitable airport.

Authorities have not released further details about the medical conditions in either incident, citing passenger privacy. Both events underscore the importance of robust emergency protocols and international cooperation in ensuring passenger safety on long-haul flights. Passengers affected by the Tokyo incident were offered support and assistance by American Airlines staff, and the airline is conducting a review of the event in coordination with Japanese aviation authorities.

Sharjah Airport has fully resumed its operations following temporary disruptions caused by the closure of airspaces across several GCC countries.

In an official statement, the airport confirmed, “We are continuing to provide services at full capacity in ongoing coordination with airlines and relevant entities.” The airport emphasized that these efforts “ensure smooth traveler movement and seamless flight operations to and from the airport, in line with the highest standards of operational efficiency and quality.”

Earlier today, Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC) warned passengers of potential delays and cancellations due to the regional airspace closures. The disruptions were a result of temporary airspace restrictions over Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Dubai following Iran’s strikes on a US base in Qatar.

Dubai Airports noted that flights to India could be particularly affected, urging travelers to check with their airlines for the latest updates. “While Dubai Airports works with airlines to ensure flights operate according to approved schedules, some flights may experience delays or cancellations,” the Dubai Media Office stated.

Several airlines have responded to the situation:

• mirates Airline rerouted several flights en route to Dubai, though no diversions occurred.
• Etihad Airways rerouted a number of flights on June 23 and 24 as a precaution.
• Air Arabia, based in Sharjah, issued an advisory confirming some disruptions due to the airspace restrictions.

Both Sharjah Airport and Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport have advised travelers to verify their flight details with airlines before heading to the airport, citing the possibility of ongoing delays and cancellations.
In related developments, Pakistan has extended its closure of airspace to Indian-registered aircraft and those operated, owned, or leased by Indian airlines including military flights until July 23, 2025, amid ongoing tensions between the two neighbors.

 The Pakistan Airports Authority issued a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), prolonging the restriction that was initially set to expire on June 24.

Travelers are strongly advised to stay in touch with their airlines for the latest flight information and advisories as the situation continues to evolve.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has conveyed his regret to the Emir of Qatar following Iran’s missile assault on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base, emphasizing that neither Qatar nor its citizens were the intended targets of the strike. The attack, which took place on June 23, 2025, was carried out by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a direct retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities the previous day.

The Iranian operation, codenamed "Operation Annunciation of Victory," involved the launch of at least 14 short- and medium-range ballistic missiles at the U.S. base, which is the largest American military installation in the Middle East and serves as the regional headquarters for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council underscored that the action was not meant to threaten Qatar, highlighting the country’s commitment to maintaining its longstanding, friendly relations with the Gulf state.

Qatari authorities, having received advance warning from Iran, closed their airspace before the missiles arrived and coordinated with U.S. forces to intercept the majority of the projectiles using Patriot missile defense systems.

According to both Qatari and U.S. officials, no casualties or significant damage were reported, as the base had been largely evacuated in anticipation of the strike. Eyewitnesses in Doha reported seeing explosions in the sky as air defenses engaged the incoming missiles.

The attack prompted several neighboring Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq, to close their airspaces as a precaution. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned the Iranian strike as a violation of its sovereignty and international law, while affirming its right to respond in accordance with international norms.

President Pezeshkian’s outreach to the Qatari leadership is widely viewed as an effort to reassure Doha of Iran’s respect for Qatari sovereignty and to prevent further escalation amid heightened regional tensions.

The incident marks the most significant direct Iranian attack on a U.S. facility in the Gulf since the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani in 2020, and comes as U.S. military sites across the Middle East remain on high alert

Calm has returned to Qatar after a dramatic night in which Iran launched a missile attack on the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the Middle East, located about 35 kilometers southwest of Doha. On Monday, Iran fired 19 missiles at the base in retaliation for US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.

Qatari defense forces, supported by advanced air defense systems, successfully intercepted 18 of the incoming missiles, with no reported casualties or injuries among US, allied, or Qatari personnel. The base had been evacuated as a precaution before the attack, and authorities implemented swift safety measures, including closing Qatari airspace and suspending classes at schools the following day.

The missile barrage caused explosions to be heard over the Qatari capital, sparking brief panic among residents. Both the US and UK had advised their citizens to stay indoors during the attack. However, within 12 hours, life in Doha and across Qatar returned to normal, with traffic flowing and businesses reopening.

Many residents, reassured by the effectiveness of the country’s defenses and the rapid government response, resumed their daily routines. Some families even took advantage of the unexpected school closure for leisure activities, reflecting a swift recovery from the night’s anxiety.

Qatar’s government condemned the Iranian attack as a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty, airspace, and international law, warning that such escalations could risk broader regional conflict. 

Officials emphasized Qatar’s right to respond in accordance with international law and called for all parties to exercise restraint and return to diplomatic dialogue. The government reiterated its longstanding opposition to regional escalation and highlighted the dangers posed by ongoing military actions in the region.

The Al Udeid Air Base, which serves as the forward headquarters for US Central Command and hosts thousands of US and allied troops, was largely empty of aircraft during the attack, as many assets had been relocated in anticipation of possible Iranian retaliation. The base’s strategic importance, both for US operations and regional security, has made it a focal point in the ongoing tensions between Iran, the US, and their respective allies.

Despite the gravity of the incident, the rapid normalization of daily life in Qatar underscores both the resilience of its population and the preparedness of its security infrastructure. Government officials continue to monitor the situation closely, while urging a renewed focus on diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the region

Flight disruptions caused by a sudden airspace closure over key Middle Eastern countries have been resolved as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain lifted restrictions and reopened their skies for commercial flights from 3 a.m. Bangladesh time on June 24, 2025, according to a press release from Dhaka airport authorities.

The closure was triggered by a missile strike on a US military base in Doha on the night of June 23, prompting an immediate shutdown of airspace "until further notice" by Qatar and neighboring countries. This unexpected move forced several flights from Dhaka to divert mid-air. Notably, Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-325 was rerouted to Muscat, Oman, where it made an emergency landing for refueling before returning to Dhaka. Similarly, US-Bangla Airlines flight BS-333 was diverted to Ahmedabad, India, after being near Jamnagar.

The airspace closure disrupted numerous scheduled flights on June 23, including multiple services to Sharjah, Dubai, Kuwait, and Doha operated by airlines such as Air Arabia, Emirates, Jazeera Airways, Qatar Airways, Biman Bangladesh, and US-Bangla. However, these flights have now gradually resumed according to revised schedules.

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s Executive Director, Group Captain Ragib Samad, urged passengers traveling on these routes to urgently contact their airlines or travel agents to confirm updated flight times and make necessary arrangements. He also thanked passengers for their patience and assured that any further updates would be communicated promptly.

Flight operations at Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport have also returned to normal as of the morning of June 24. Although Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ BG127 Dhaka-Chattogram-Abu Dhabi flight was canceled on June 23, other scheduled international flights to Middle Eastern destinations departed on time.

 Airlines including Biman Bangladesh, US-Bangla, Salam Air, and Air Arabia are currently operating 11 to 18 daily flights from Shah Amanat Airport as per regular schedules.

This incident highlights the vulnerability of air travel in the region amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Aviation experts note that such airspace closures cause significant disruptions, increased operational costs, and ripple effects across global flight networks, especially in a region that serves as a major transit hub between Europe and Asia.

Authorities have expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and urged travelers to stay alert for further updates as the situation stabilizes.

In response to escalating tensions in the Middle East, Air India has suspended all flights to and from the Middle East, Europe, and the East Coast of North America. This suspension impacts key hubs such as Dubai, London, and New York, with flights from North America to India being rerouted or returned to their origin airports, including Newark and Toronto.

The move comes amid growing disruptions caused by the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict and recent missile attacks targeting US military bases in the region.

Air India has halted services connecting India with major destinations in the Gulf, Europe, and North America, emphasizing that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority. Flights already in the air are being rerouted away from restricted airspace or turned back based on safety assessments. The airline urges passengers to stay updated through its official website and social media channels.

Other carriers have also been affected by the regional instability. Etihad Airways confirmed route disruptions on June 23 and 24 due to Middle East airspace closures, maintaining close coordination with authorities to operate only safe flights. Turkish Airlines canceled flights to several Gulf cities, including Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, and Muscat, advising passengers to monitor official channels for updates. IndiGo has also warned of possible delays and diversions on flights to and from the Middle East.

The disruption follows a large-scale missile attack by Iran on the US-operated Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which was a retaliation to US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. These events have heightened regional instability, forcing airlines to reevaluate flight paths through affected areas.

All airlines involved have reiterated their commitment to safety and regulatory compliance, assuring passengers that flights will resume only when safe corridors are verified. Travelers are advised to check airline websites for the latest information, contact customer service for travel adjustments, and avoid traveling to airports without confirmed flight details.

As some Gulf states begin to reopen their airspace, allowing limited flight operations, the situation remains fluid. Airlines continue to adjust their schedules cautiously, prioritizing passenger safety amid the ongoing geopolitical crisis. This disruption highlights the significant impact of regional conflicts on global aviation and the challenges airlines face in maintaining safe and reliable services during such crises.