As tensions in the Middle East escalate, particularly following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran, Qatar has implemented precautionary measures by temporarily closing its airspace. This decision, announced on Monday, aims to ensure the safety of residents and visitors and has led to significant disruptions at Doha Hamad International Airport, one of the world’s busiest international hubs.

The airspace closure forced the majority of Qatar Airways flights bound for Doha to divert to alternate airports, severely impacting operations across Europe, Asia, the U.S., Australia, and the Gulf region. Shortly after the announcement from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, flights began diverting mid-route, while departures from Hamad International Airport were suspended.

Key Diversion Statistics

Istanbul Airport and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah each handled nine rerouted Qatar Airways flights, making them the most affected locations. Other airports, including Muscat International Airport and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport, also managed multiple diversions. Notable diversion statistics include:

	Airport	City/Country	Number Of Diversions
1	Istanbul Airport (IST)	Istanbul, Turkey	9
2	King Abdulaziz Int’l (JED)	Jeddah, Saudi Arabia	9
3	Muscat International Airport (MCT)	Muscat, Oman	8
4	Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz (MED)	Medina, Saudi Arabia	7
5	King Fahd International (DMM)	Dammam, Saudi Arabia	6
6	Kempegowda International (BLR)	Bengaluru, India	5
7	Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)	Izmir, Turkey	4
8	Salalah International Airport (SLL)	Salalah, Oman	4
9	Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH)	Riyadh, Saudi Arabia	3
10	Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)	Abu Dhabi, UAE	3

European Flights Diverted

Most European flights impacted by the airspace closure were redirected to Istanbul, with additional diversions to other Turkish airports. For instance, flights from Amsterdam and Algiers were rerouted to Antalya and Bodrum, respectively. Long-haul flights from Asia and Australia also experienced significant rerouting, with Bengaluru receiving the highest number of diverted flights.

Several flights returned to their departure points mid-air. Notably, Flight QR146 from Barcelona turned back after entering Turkish airspace, and similar cases occurred with flights from Madrid and the UK, which returned before reaching the Gulf region. Other flights experienced delays and prolonged holding patterns, complicating the situation further.

Impact on Global Operations

The disruptions extended beyond Qatar Airways, affecting many international airlines. Major carriers, including Emirates, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines, adjusted their flight schedules and routes in response to the sudden closure. This led to a ripple effect on global air traffic, as many planes had to find alternative landing locations while keeping safety as the top priority.

Travelers faced uncertainty and frustration, with some flights landing in unexpected destinations hours from their original plans. Passengers reported long waits and confusion at diverted airports, as airlines scrambled to provide accommodations and information.

Passenger Assistance and Accommodations

In light of the disruptions, Qatar Airways and other affected airlines deployed customer service teams to assist stranded passengers. Many airlines offered hotel accommodations and meal vouchers for those left in limbo due to diverted flights. Qatar Airways also set up information desks at key airports to help travelers navigate the changes.

For those whose flights were canceled, airlines provided options for rebooking or refunds, although availability was limited due to the high volume of affected passengers.

Reopening of Qatari Airspace

By Tuesday morning, Qatari authorities announced the reopening of the country’s airspace, and operations at Hamad International Airport began to gradually normalize. However, the effects of the disruption continued into the following day, with numerous cancellations affecting scheduled arrivals in Doha. Airlines such as British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Iberia, American Airlines, and JetBlue reported canceled inbound services.

Ongoing Regional Tensions

The situation in the Middle East remains volatile, with experts warning of potential further escalations. Analysts are closely monitoring developments, as diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The ongoing situation raises concerns about the stability of air travel in the region, prompting airlines to stay vigilant and adaptable.

Economic Impact

The disruptions also have broader economic implications. Qatar Airways, which is a significant player in international air travel, may face financial repercussions due to the disruptions and cancellations. The airline industry is already recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and further interruptions could hinder this recovery.

As regional tensions continue to impact air travel, the aviation industry is facing unprecedented challenges. With the reopening of Qatari airspace, airlines are working to restore normal operations, but the situation remains fluid. Travelers are advised to stay informed about their flight statuses and to expect continued adjustments as airlines navigate these turbulent times. The unfolding events serve as a reminder of the fragility of global air travel amid geopolitical uncertainties.

In a festive gesture to celebrate India's Independence Day, Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, has launched an exclusive discount campaign for passengers booking from India. Operating from its hub at Zayed International Airport, Etihad is offering a generous 30 percent discount on Economy class tickets to a wide array of popular destinations across Europe and the United States.

Travellers booking now can secure flights at significantly reduced rates to iconic cities such as Chicago (Dh3,273), Toronto (Dh3,599), Washington DC (Dh3,149), Barcelona (Dh2,036), and Dublin (Dh2,149). The offer also extends to flights headed to Brussels, Prague, Warsaw, Sochi, New York, Rome, Atlanta, Madrid, Boston, Paris, Munich, and Frankfurt, making it easier than ever for Indian passengers to explore these global hubs.

The special fares are available for booking up until August 15, with a travel window stretching from September 2025 through March 2026. This promotion follows on the heels of Etihad’s recent start-of-summer campaign, which included discounts of up to 25% on both business and economy class tickets.
As the 2025 summer travel season approaches its end, airlines based in the UAE, neighboring regions, and India have launched a series of competitive fare offers, heating up the market for travelers seeking value deals.

In other exciting news, Etihad recently inaugurated commercial operations of its new Airbus A321LR, with Flight EY414 marking the first journey from Zayed International Airport to the beautiful island destination of Phuket. The addition of the A321LR to its fleet underscores Etihad’s commitment to delivering premium cabin experiences on short and medium-haul flights, mirroring the attention to detail and service excellence featured on its acclaimed widebody aircraft.

With these strategic offers and fleet enhancements, Etihad Airways continues to strengthen its position as a preferred carrier for Indian travelers seeking quality and affordability on international flights.

In celebration of India’s 79th Independence Day, Air India Express has unveiled an exciting “Freedom Sale,” offering attractive discounted airfares for both domestic and international travelers. Starting as low as Rs 1,279 (Dh 53.50) for domestic routes and Rs 4,279 (Dh 179) for international flights, this special promotion aims to make travel more accessible for millions.

The budget airline is putting five million seats on sale, covering a wide network that includes key UAE destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah, connecting them seamlessly to cities across India. This initiative is perfectly timed for the over 3.7 million Indian expatriates residing in the UAE, as well as tourists traveling between the UAE and India.

With an impressive fleet of 116 aircraft, Air India Express operates over 500 flights daily and offers service to 38 domestic and 17 international destinations, strengthening its position as a preferred carrier in the region.
The exclusive sale opened on the airline’s website and app on August 10 and will remain available through all major booking channels until August 15, 2025.

Travelers can plan their trips between August 19, 2025, and March 31, 2026—covering major festive seasons such as Onam, Durga Puja, Deepawali, and Christmas.

The airline’s “Xpress Value” fare class, which includes a standard check-in baggage allowance, is priced from Rs 1,379 for domestic and Rs 4,479 for international flights. Special concessions are also being extended to students, senior citizens, armed forces personnel, and their dependents.

This “Freedom Sale” presents an ideal opportunity for travelers looking to explore India and beyond while enjoying substantial savings.

Manama, Bahrain – Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has announced a limited-time promotion offering travelers discounts of up to 15% on flights to more than 28 destinations worldwide. The offer, valid for bookings made until 13 August 2025, includes 15% off Economy Class fares and 10% off Falcon Gold (Business Class) fares.

The discounted rates apply to a variety of international and regional cities on Gulf Air’s network, including Casablanca, Milan, Singapore, London, Paris, Bangkok, Dubai, Riyadh, and Muscat, along with other hubs such as Frankfurt, Rome, Kuala Lumpur, Athens, and Zurich.

Gulf Air said the promotion is aimed at encouraging both leisure and corporate travel, highlighting its signature Arabian hospitality and service standards. Falcon Gold passengers benefit from lounge access, gourmet dining, and spacious seating, while Economy Class travelers enjoy enhanced comfort and attentive service.

Click here to view fares, book your flight, and avail this limited-time offer

Seats under the promotion are limited, and the airline is urging travelers to book early to secure the best fares. The offer is part of Gulf Air’s wider effort to provide value-driven travel options while reinforcing its reputation for quality service.

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has launched its biggest-ever global sale, offering travelers a 25% discount on both Business and Economy Class tickets across its entire international network.

The limited-time sale, valid until September 5, 2024, provides an opportunity to explore a wide array of destinations—from Europe, the Far East, and the Indian Subcontinent—starting at fares as low as OMR31 ($80).

This special promotion covers both one-way and return journeys, with the travel period set between September 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. Passengers can experience Oman Air’s renowned hospitality and award-winning service while enjoying convenient connections through its Muscat hub.

Key destinations on sale include popular cities such as Dubai, Kochi, Bangkok, London, Cairo, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Jeddah, and Phuket.

It’s important to note that the offer is exclusive to international tickets and does not apply to domestic flights, interline flights, or codeshare partners. Tickets can be purchased via the Oman Air website, mobile app, call center, designated sales offices, or approved travel agents. Additional terms and conditions apply.

To check and book the Oman Air 25% discount offer, CLike Here

This discount provides a prime opportunity for travelers to plan their next adventure and experience the luxury and comfort of Oman Air at unbeatable prices.

Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier, has rolled out a series of limited-time airfare deals to enhance travel affordability for its customers this summer. Notably, travelers flying from Qatar can now benefit from exceptionally low one-way fares to destinations such as India and Sri Lanka, starting at just QAR 440 for travel through September 2025.

These attractive rates are designed to encourage more passengers to explore regional and international destinations while keeping costs low.

Key Offers:

• Doha (DOH) to Kochi (COK): From QAR 550*

• Doha (DOH) to Kozhikode (CCJ): From QAR 440*

• Doha (DOH) to Thiruvananthapuram (TRV): From QAR 475*

• Doha (DOH) to Sharjah (SHJ): From QAR 333*

• Doha (DOH) to Colombo (CMB): From QAR 539*

• Doha (DOH) to Tbilisi (TBS): From QAR 855*

• Doha (DOH) to Nairobi (NBO): From QAR 703*

• Doha (DOH) to Karachi (KHI): From QAR 353*

• Doha (DOH) to Chennai (MAA): From QAR 473*

• Doha (DOH) to Dhaka (DAC): From QAR 458*

• Doha (DOH) to Coimbatore (CJB): From QAR 550*

• Doha (DOH) to Bengaluru (BLR): From QAR 382*

Additional 10% discount (up to USD 5) using the promo code BOWG9 on eligible bookings

Promo Codes and Flexibility

Air Arabia continues to reward early bookers with promo codes that reduce overall costs even further. By using the code BOWG9 during booking, passengers can enjoy an extra 10% off applicable fares, offering added value on top of already competitive prices. The current promotions are available for a range of destinations served from Qatar and other Gulf countries, subject to seat availability and specific terms and conditions.

Focus on Accessibility and Value

As travel rebounds globally, Air Arabia remains committed to making air travel more accessible. Its frequent introductory fare sales and easily accessible promo codes provide practical solutions for individuals, families, and businesses looking for affordable travel options without sacrificing quality or convenience.

Booking and Travel Periods

The discounted fares are strictly limited in quantity and apply to specific travel windows. For the latest details or to make a reservation, customers are encouraged to visit Air Arabia’s official website or consult recognized travel platforms for real-time pricing and promotion confirmation.

For more information or to take advantage of the ongoing discounts, visit Air Arabia’s booking platform or official communication channels.