Iran Launches Missiles at US Base in Qatar, Qatar Closes Airspace Causing Global Aviation Disruptions

Iran has initiated a series of missile attacks on the US Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, resulting in explosions heard across the Qatari capital, Doha. The strikes are believed to be part of Iran's promised retaliation following recent American assaults on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Reports from Reuters confirmed multiple blasts over the city, with Iran's state broadcaster IRIB announcing the commencement of "Operation Basharat al-Fath," indicating direct hits on US military installations in Qatar. Footage shared on social media displayed missiles lighting up the night sky and air defense systems intercepting projectiles above central Doha.

In response to the escalating situation, Qatar took the unprecedented step of closing its airspace, citing safety concerns for its citizens, residents, and visitors. This decision had immediate repercussions on global aviation, disrupting flights between Europe, Asia, and Africa that heavily rely on Qatar's airspace as a crucial corridor.

Qatar Airways was forced to ground a significant portion of its fleet, leading to the diversion of numerous inbound flights to neighboring countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. The closure left passengers stranded and rerouted across various continents, causing widespread inconvenience.

Aviation experts highlighted the far-reaching impacts of the airspace closure, emphasizing that disruptions in Qatar's airspace have a domino effect on global flight operations, resulting in delays, diversions, and missed connections. Airlines across Africa and the Middle East, including carriers like Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Emirates, were among those affected, being compelled to adjust flight routes to avoid Qatari airspace, consequently increasing fuel consumption and operational expenses.

The situation remains tense as the US Embassy in Doha issued an advisory for American citizens to shelter in place due to the potential threat of further Iranian strikes. Meanwhile, Pentagon sources confirmed that Al-Udeid Air Base, housing nearly 10,000 US troops and being the largest American military base in the Middle East, was put on high alert.