Qatar closes its airspace because of worries about a military conflict in the area
On Monday, June 23, Qatar said that it has blocked its airspace due to the intensifying crisis between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The State of Qatar’s foreign ministry issued a statement saying, “As part of a set of precautionary measures taken based on recent developments in the region, the relevant authorities announce the temporary suspension of air navigation in the country’s airspace, as part of the State’s keenness to ensure the safety of its citizens, residents, and visitors.”
Hamad International Airport, located in Doha, the capital of Qatar, is one of the busiest airports in the world. RwandAir serves flights to the Middle Eastern metropolis.
The US State Department advised US citizens abroad to “exercise increased caution,” following the US bombing of three nuclear sites in Iran on Saturday, prompting Qatar to decide to shut down its airspace. Retaliation has been threatened by Iran.
The Coalition Air Operations Centre, which is operated by the United States, at Al-Udaid in Qatar, may be under attack, according to media sources.
According to the statement, “The Ministry reiterates that the security and safety of everyone on Qatari soil remains a top priority, and that the State will not hesitate to take all necessary preventive and protective measures in this regard,” it said.
