Gulf nations shut down airspace after Iran attacks US base in Qatar

Kuwait became the latest nation in the Gulf region to close its airspace on Monday, after Bahrain made a similar move following Iran attacking the United States' Al Udeid military base in Doha, Qatar, in retaliation for US strikes in Iran.

"In the interest of the country's security and safety, and in light of the precautionary measures taken in a number of neighboring countries, which include the closure of their airports and airspace, the State of Kuwait announces the temporary closure of its airspace as a precautionary measure, effective today until further notice," Kuwait's Directorate General of Civil Aviation said in a statement.

The suspension followed the closure of airspace by Qatar and Bahrain. Bahrain is home to the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet.

Meanwhile, based on flight paths and air traffic control audio, UAE airspace is also thought to be currently closed.

In a post on the social media platform X, The UAE's Foreign Ministry urged all UAE nationals, residents, and visitors to contact airlines directly for the latest updates on flight schedules.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways said it was rerouting several flights on June 23 and June 24 in response to airspace restrictions in parts of the Middle East.

Airlines based out of Dubai International Airport, including Emirates and Flydubai, have already canceled flights following the closure of airspace over parts of the region. All Emirates routes to Iran and Iraq have been canceled up to and including Monday, June 30.