Air India has suspended all flights over the Gulf region and halted operations to and from North America’s East Coast and Europe following Iran’s missile attack on the U.S. military base at Al Udeid in Qatar. The move comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East that have triggered widespread airspace closures and disrupted global aviation routes.
In a statement issued late Monday, Air India confirmed it 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.” The airline added that flights en route from North America are being diverted either back to their origin or rerouted around restricted airspace.
Air India emphasized it is consulting with external security advisors and continues to monitor the evolving situation closely. “The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our number one priority,” the airline said. Earlier, a Qatar-bound flight from Cochin was canceled, and other affected aircraft were rerouted or returned mid-flight.
Air India Express also confirmed diversions of its flights, including a Doha-bound service from Kochi redirected to Muscat and another flight from Kannur that returned to India. The airline, which operates 25 weekly flights to Doha and services multiple Indian cities, assured passengers that it is taking all necessary precautions in coordination with relevant authorities.
The disruption follows Iran’s claimed “devastating and powerful” missile strike on Al Udeid airbase in Doha, a key hub for U.S. and allied military operations. Explosions were reported across the Qatari capital shortly after Tehran vowed retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
In response, Gulf nations including Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Iraq, and Qatar have shut their airspace indefinitely. Qatar condemned the Iranian attack, warning that it reserves the right to respond in accordance with international law and proportional to the scale of aggression.
With heightened geopolitical risks, the White House and U.S. Defense Department are now actively monitoring threats to regional bases, including Al Udeid, as the air travel industry braces for further turbulence.
