Decision by local authorities as a precaution and to ensure the safety of citizens, residents and visitors. Reopening late in the evening

Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain, Gulf countries that have long guaranteed a safe and stable air corridor to airlines from half the world, closed their skies for over an hour to gradually reopen them late in the evening. This was a preventive measure in view of Iran's response to the US bombings. Over 200 aircraft bound for Doha and Dubai were in flight at the time of the stoppage, according to Flightradar24.

The press release

In the official statement, the Qatari government wrote that as part of the State of Qatar's commitment to the safety of its citizens, residents and visitors, the competent authorities announce the temporary suspension of traffic in the country's airspace. This is part of a series of precautionary measures adopted based on developments in the region. After Doha, it was the turn of the Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait to temporarily close.

The attacks

Iran has fired six ballistic missiles at US bases in Qatar. Explosions were heard in Doha. Tehran also fired a missile at a US base in Iraq. US media say Tehran has pre-empted Qatar's decision to fire at the US base in the country.

Plans turned upside down

Dozens of airlines, taken by surprise by the decision, have had to review the flight plans of their jets in the area. The stop has particularly affected local carriers: Emirates and   Qatar Airways, among the most active in intercontinental flights. Several planes have been diverted to Saudi Arabia or their departure ports.

The move risks further complicating the flows since with the closure of Iranian airspace there are currently two corridors left for connections between Europe and Asia-Oceania: the southern one which also includes passage over Qatar and the northern one which requires flying over Afghanistan with many limitations.