China Southern diverts flight to Oman over concerns about 'public safety'

On Monday, a China Southern Airlines flight bound for Doha, Qatar, from Guangzhou, Guangdong province, had to make a diversion to Muscat, Oman, due to concerns about "public safety", according to information on the airline's website and a report from Guangming Net.

After taking off from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport at 7:49 pm Beijing time on Monday, the direct flight CZ333 made a diversion to Muscat around midnight and then arrived at Hamad International Airport in Doha at 5:58 am local time on Tuesday.

The airline operator said it had ensured passenger service support during the diversion.

According to an unnamed staff member of the airline, the flight adjustment was due to "an event that could potentially affect flight safety".

The Chinese Embassy in Qatar had previously issued a reminder stating that due to the closure of the airspace of certain countries, some flights arriving in or departing from Qatar may have route changes, schedule adjustments, or even cancellations.

The Guangzhou-Doha flight QR875, operated by Qatar Airways, was delayed on Tuesday. The same flight on Monday arrived early in Doha without any delays.

Flights from Guangzhou to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, were not affected, with flight EK363, operated by Emirates Airlines, departing on time early on Tuesday morning and arriving ahead of schedule.

Another Chinese flight to Doha, the MF831, which had just taken off in Xiamen, Fujian province, after 0:00 on Tuesday, was forced to return due to the suspension of aviation activities in Qatar's airspace announced by relevant authorities, Chinanews.com reported.

Contact the writer at qiuquanlin@chinadaily.com.cn