Qatar has reopened its airspace and resumed flight operations after temporarily shutting down due to a missile attack by Iran targeting a United States military base.
Iran targets US bases in Qatar
The attack, which occurred on Monday, led to the closure of Qatar’s skies and the temporary suspension of Qatar Airways flights.
Iran launched multiple missiles at the Al Udeid Air Base, which is used by the US Air Force and is located southwest of Doha, Qatar’s capital city. The attack was reportedly in retaliation for US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend.
According to a US defence official:
“I can confirm that Al Udeid Air Base was attacked by short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles originating from Iran today. At this time, there are no reports of U.S. casualties.”
Despite the seriousness of the strike, Qatari air defence systems successfully intercepted 14 missiles. One missile did land near the base, but it did not cause any damage or result in injuries. Explosions and flares were seen and heard across parts of Doha, raising alarms, but no civilian areas were hit.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council stated the number of missiles fired matched the number of bombs used by the US in its earlier attack, indicating Iran did not intend to escalate the conflict further.
“This action did not pose any threat to our friendly and brotherly country, Qatar, and its noble people,” the council added:
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran’s military arm, described the missile strike as a “devastating and powerful missile attack” and warned that any future threats to Iran’s sovereignty would be met with similar force.
Qatar Airways resumes flights amid tensions in the Middle East
Shortly after the attack, Qatar Airways suspended all flights. The airline issued a statement saying:
“As a result of the closure of air traffic movement in the State of Qatar, we can confirm the temporary suspension of Qatar Airways flights. We are working closely with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to support any passengers that have been impacted.”
However, by 17:00 EST (23:00 in SAST), about four hours after the missile strike, Qatar reopened its airspace.
Qatar Airways then confirmed:
“Qatar Airways confirms reinstatement of flights as airspace reopens in the State of Qatar. Our focus at this time is to help our passengers return home or reach their onward journey safely and smoothly.”
Additional staff were deployed at Hamad International Airport to assist affected passengers.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attack and stressed that it had intercepted the missiles. The country, known for mediating talks in the region, called for a return to diplomatic negotiations to prevent further conflict.
The US embassy in Doha also lifted its shelter-in-place order and announced that regular services would resume on Tuesday.
As the region remains on edge, both Qatari and US officials are monitoring developments closely.
