Tensions in the Middle East soared on Monday, June 23, 2025, as Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait closed their airspace following an Iranian missile strike on the U.S. Al Udeid military base in Doha.
The closures came after Iran vowed retaliation for recent U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities.
According to reports, the Al Udeid base is home to U.S. Central Command in the Gulf region.
Following credible threats, regional aviation authorities moved quickly to prevent further risks to passenger and cargo flights.
According to Flightradar24, air traffic over Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait dropped to nearly zero around 17:35 GMT. Major airlines including:
- Air India
- Finnair
- Iberia
- British Airways
- Air France
- Singapore
Airlines all cancelled or rerouted flights to Middle East hubs like Doha and Dubai.
Air India diverted three Doha-bound flights to alternative airports.
Finnair suspended its Doha flights through June 30. Iberia also scrapped its plan to resume services to Qatar.
Doha and Dubai are key transit hubs between Europe and Asia.
Their airspace closures have forced airlines to reroute flights, increasing travel times and fuel costs.
Many carriers are now flying over Egypt, Saudi Arabia, or around the Caspian Sea.
These longer routes mean higher ticket prices, delays, and operational challenges for airlines.
The situation is being made worse by a spike in GPS spoofing—fake signals that can mislead aircraft navigation systems.
SkAI, a Swiss aviation security company, reported over 150 GPS interference events in the Gulf within 24 hours.
Meanwhile, Safe Airspace issued warnings for U.S. carriers operating in nearby countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Bahrain.
As flight detours grow longer, jet fuel prices are climbing. Airlines are also seeing more passengers request alternate routes.
Many travelers now prefer layovers in Singapore, Hong Kong, or direct long-haul flights like Perth to London, according to Flight Centre Travel Group.
With tensions between Iran and the United States still high, experts warn that airspace disruptions will likely continue.
Gulf nations may reopen routes once the threat level drops, but for now, aviation in the Middle East remains on high alert.