June 19, 2025 | Aviation & Conflict Desk – www.thequickupdate.com
In the wake of escalating tensions in the Middle East, Air India has suspended all flight operations over the Gulf region, following Iran’s missile strike on the US Al Udeid airbase in Qatar. The airline also halted long-haul flights to North America and Europe, citing airspace restrictions and passenger safety as top priorities.
“Air India has ceased all operations to the region as well as to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe with immediate effect, until further notice,” said the airline in a statement.
The fallout from Iran’s retaliation has caused a major disruption in India’s international aviation network, especially for flights that routinely transit Middle Eastern airspace.
✈️ Flights Diverted or Turned Back
Several flights from North America to India have been diverted back to their origin airports or rerouted around restricted zones, the airline confirmed. Others are returning to India via alternate paths away from the Gulf.
“Air India is in continuous consultation with external security advisors and is vigilantly monitoring the evolving situation,” the airline added.
Earlier, an Air India flight to Qatar from Cochin was cancelled, and Air India Express rerouted its Doha-bound service from Kochi to Muscat. Another flight from Kannur to Doha returned to base.
🛫 Impact on Qatar Operations
Air India Express, which operates 25 weekly direct flights to Doha from various Indian cities, has temporarily suspended Qatar-bound operations. These flights connect Doha to:
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Kannur
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Kochi
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Kozhikode
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Mangaluru
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Thiruvananthapuram
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Tiruchchirappalli
It also runs one-stop connections to Indian metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and more.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and will act in accordance with security directives,” Air India Express stated.
Also Read: Operation Sindhu: 1000 Indians Evacuated from Iran | Strait of Hormuz Closure May Impact India’s Crude Supply
🧨 Conflict Escalation: Iran Attacks US Base in Qatar
The disruption follows a devastating missile strike by Iran on Al Udeid airbase in Doha, marking a sharp escalation in the regional conflict. Explosions were heard throughout Qatar’s capital after Tehran vowed retaliation for earlier US airstrikes on Iranian soil.
Meanwhile, Qatar condemned the Iranian assault and asserted its right to respond in alignment with international law. The White House confirmed it is closely monitoring threats to US military assets in the Gulf.
Countries including Kuwait and Bahrain have also announced temporary closure of their airspace, citing the ongoing military situation.
FAQs: Air India’s Gulf Flight Suspension
Q1: Why has Air India cancelled flights over the Gulf?
Due to Iran’s missile strike on a US base in Qatar, airspace security in the region is compromised, prompting Air India to suspend routes for passenger safety.
Q2: Are all international flights cancelled?
Not all. The suspension primarily affects flights over the Gulf region, including to and from Europe and North America, which typically use Middle Eastern air corridors.
Q3: What is the status of flights to Qatar?
Air India Express has suspended direct Doha flights. Some services were diverted to Muscat or returned to base.
Q4: Will passengers be refunded or rescheduled?
Air India is working to reschedule affected flights and may offer refunds or alternate bookings. Travelers should check with customer support for specific updates.
Q5: When will operations resume?
There is no official timeline yet. Operations will only resume once regional security stabilizes and airspace is declared safe.
