Recent escalations in the Middle East have significantly impacted air travel, leading to disruptions and cancellations of flights between India and Qatar. The primary cause of these disruptions is the missile attacks launched by Iran on the Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar, which houses US forces. This attack, a retaliation for the American bombing of Iranian nuclear sites, has triggered a series of precautionary measures, including the temporary closure of Qatari airspace and rerouting of flights by major airlines.
Following the Iranian missile strikes, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, calling it a violation of its sovereignty. While Qatar stated its air defenses successfully intercepted the missiles and that no casualties were reported, the country temporarily suspended air traffic to ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors. This closure directly affected numerous flights, particularly those transiting through or destined for Doha.
Several airlines, including India's IndiGo and Air India Express, faced immediate repercussions. IndiGo was forced to divert its Delhi and Hyderabad-bound flights to Bahrain, while a flight from Kochi was rerouted to Abu Dhabi. Air India Express diverted its Doha-bound flight from Kochi to Muscat and returned its flight from Kannur to its origin. These diversions and cancellations have caused considerable inconvenience to passengers, with many experiencing delays and rebookings.
Air India has taken a more comprehensive approach by suspending all flights operating over Middle Eastern airspace. This decision aligns with similar actions taken by other global carriers such as Emirates, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways, all of whom are modifying their routes to avoid volatile airspaces over Iran, Iraq, and Israel. Air India's spokesperson stated that the airline has begun progressively rerouting certain flights to avoid specific portions of the Gulf region's airspace, impacting services to and from destinations including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait.
The Indian Embassy in Qatar has issued an advisory urging Indian citizens in Qatar to exercise caution and remain indoors. The embassy has also advised the Indian community to stay updated with local news and guidance provided by Qatari authorities, assuring them that updates will be shared through official social media channels.
The closure of Qatari airspace and the rerouting of flights have created chaos in the region's air traffic. Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi are key transit points for travel between India and the rest of the world, and the disruptions have affected hundreds of flights to and from India. Passengers are advised to check their flight status regularly and stay in touch with their airlines for any updates or rebooking options. The situation remains fluid, and airlines are closely monitoring developments to ensure the safety and security of their passengers and crew.
