Air India Express diverted two of its Qatar-bound flights on Monday after the temporary closure of Qatari airspace, triggered by a sharp escalation in tensions between Iran and the United States in the Middle East.
The airline rerouted its Kochi-Doha flight to Muscat and returned another flight en route from Kannur. “As a result of the ongoing situation in the Middle East and the suspension of Qatar airspace, Air India Express has diverted our Doha-bound flight from Kochi to Muscat and returned our flight bound from Kannur,” a spokesperson said.
The airline clarified that it has no aircraft grounded in Qatar and no other flights currently scheduled to the country. It assured passengers that it is closely monitoring the evolving security situation and coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
“We regret the inconvenience due to circumstances beyond our control and request guests to update their contact details for real-time updates,” the spokesperson added, advising passengers to check airindiaexpress.com or use the airline’s chatbot “Tia” for cancellations and refund assistance.
The disruption comes in the wake of reported Iranian missile strikes targeting US military installations in Qatar and Iraq, including the Al Udeid Air Base—America’s largest military facility in the region. The strikes are said to be retaliation for recent US airstrikes on Iran’s key nuclear facilities at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow.
According to CNN, multiple missiles were launched by Iran, and the US is actively tracking their trajectory. Key defense officials, including US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine, are monitoring the situation from the White House Situation Room.
Iranian state TV, through Samaa TV, labeled the military action as Operation Basharat al-Fath, reportedly aimed at US regional bases. Meanwhile, US embassy staff in Qatar and Bahrain have been advised to shelter in place as a precaution.
The Qatari foreign ministry confirmed on social media that it has temporarily closed its airspace due to the escalating regional tensions. The US Embassy in Doha has issued safety advisories to its citizens, urging them to remain indoors and in secure locations until further notice.
