Air India Halts All Flights Over Gulf Region Following Iran's Missile Attack On US Base

Air India has halted all flights over the Gulf region indefinitely after Iran launched a missile attack on the US airbase in Doha. The airline had previously cancelled a flight from Cochin to Qatar. "Amid the developing situation in the Middle East, 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," it said in a statement.

Flight Diversions and Cancellations

The airline also stated that its flights bound for India from North America are returning to their points of origin. Other flights are either being rerouted back to India or diverted away from restricted airspaces. "Air India is in continuous consultation with its external security advisors and is vigilantly monitoring the evolving situation. We will keep our passengers informed of any updates. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our number one priority," it said.

Impact on Other Airlines

Several other airlines have also either cancelled, diverted or returned their flights to their origin airports over the tense situation in the Middle East. Air India Express redirected its Doha-bound flight from Kochi to Muscat and returned another flight scheduled from Kannur. "We have no other flights bound for Qatar," it said in a statement.

Iran's military announced on Monday that it had executed a "devastating and powerful" missile strike on the Al Udeid US airbase in Qatar. This followed explosions heard across Doha after Tehran vowed retaliation for US airstrikes. Kuwait also closed its airspace "until further notice" after Bahrain took similar action following Iran's attack on a US base in Qatar.

"We are monitoring the situation closely and will take all necessary precautions for the safety and security of our guests and crew, with inputs from the relevant authorities," added Air India Express. Meanwhile, Qatar has strongly condemned the attack, stating it reserves the right to respond directly according to international law.

The White House and Defense Department are closely observing potential threats to Al Udeid airbase, according to a senior White House official.