Amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East following Iran’s retaliatory strike on a US base in Qatar, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced a temporary suspension of its flights to several Gulf countries on Monday.
According to a PIA spokesperson, flights to Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Dubai have been halted due to the heightened military situation. The decision follows reports of Gulf countries being placed on high alert after Iran’s missile attacks on the US military base in Qatar, which were in response to earlier American air strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
PIA has advised passengers scheduled to travel on affected flights to stay informed about their flight status through the airline’s call center. The reservation department is currently working to rebook travelers on alternative flights, with service to resume when the situation normalizes.
The situation has also impacted other airlines and airspace. Qatar, which hosts the large US Al Udeid Air Base, temporarily shut its airspace earlier in the day, following similar actions by Bahrain and Kuwait. Kuwait Airways also suspended flight departures. Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, is rerouting some flights, and reports indicate the United Arab Emirates airspace has also been affected.
Air India flights bound for Doha were diverted, and Iberia cancelled plans to resume flights to Doha.
The closures come at a time when airlines are already dealing with disruptions due to the Israel-Iran conflict, which has significantly reduced air traffic over the region. Airlines are navigating airspace closures and safety concerns by diverting, cancelling, and delaying flights.
According to Iran’s National Security Council, the attack on the US base was a direct response to US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and posed no threat to Qatar.
However, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson condemned the Iranian attack as a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace, stating that Qatar reserves the right to respond directly in accordance with international law. They further claimed that Qatari air defenses successfully intercepted the Iranian missiles.