RIYADH — Shortly after Iran launched missile attacks on US military bases in Qatar and Iraq on Monday, several nations including Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain have closed their air spaces while the United Arab Emirates imposed some restrictions on aviation operation. Kuwait and Bahrain have announced temporary closure of their airspace amid intensifying escalation in the region. The Directorate General of Kuwait's Civil Aviation announced the temporary closure of Kuwaiti airspace as a precautionary measure to ensure the security and safety of the country in light of the precautionary measures taken in a number of neighboring countries. Qatar had earlier on Monday announced the shutting of its airspace temporarily. "The relevant authorities confirm that this decision comes within the framework of maintaining the highest levels of safety and security in light of regional developments," the Kuwait aviation directorate said while noting that there has been constant coordination with the relevant authorities locally and internationally to monitor developments and take the necessary measures." The directorate called on all travelers and airlines to follow official updates as soon as possible and cooperate with the relevant authorities in implementing this decision for the public interest. The Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications in Bahrain also announced the temporary suspension of air traffic in Bahraini airspace as a precautionary measure amid ongoing regional developments. The relevant authorities are continuously monitoring the situation in coordination with international partners, emphasizing the importance of following instructions issued by official agencies to ensure public safety. Multiple airlines including Air India Express and Etihad have either diverted or cancelled their flights. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad airways, Air India Express, Egypt Air, Singapore Airlines Ltd, and British Airways, are among airlines either diverted or cancelled flights in response to airspace restrictions in parts of the Middle East. Etihad Airways said it is re-routing several flights on June 23 and June 24. Air India Express has diverted two Doha bound flights. The airline said that it has no other flights bound for Qatar and no aircraft are on the ground in Qatar. Egypt Air said flights to Gulf cities have been suspended until the regional situation stabilizes. Singapore Airlines said it would suspend service to Dubai until Wednesday night and warned more flights could be cancelled. Sharjah Airport has advised all passengers to stay updated on their flight schedules as several services have been delayed or cancelled due to temporary airspace closures in parts of the Middle East.
