UAE airspace: What happened on Monday night and latest updates on Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah flights

:Dubai: Iran’s attack on Qatar’s Al Udeid US military base in Doha late Monday night – an act the Gulf state condemned as a flagrant violation of its sovereignty, international law, and the United Nations Charter – was immediately followed by widespread and significant impacts on commercial aviation across the Middle East and globally. Airlines and governments were forced to adapt to a rapidly changing security landscape.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the Iranian attack, expressing full solidarity with Qatar and warning that such acts undermine regional stability and violate international law. Airlines were on fresh alert late Monday night after Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait temporarily closed their airspaces.

This series of critical events unfolded in a very brief period; below is a detailed breakdown of everything that transpired concerning airspace closures yesterday:

7.46 pm, June 23: Qatar temporarily suspends all air traffic to ensure public safety

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that competent authorities have temporarily suspended all air traffic in the country’s airspace to ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors.

8.43 pm, June 23: Flares spotted over Qatar, explosions heard in Doha

Explosions could be heard across Doha on Monday evening, according to AFP journalists, shortly after Qatar closed its airspace, citing regional developments following US strikes on Iran.

9.27 pm, June 23: Bahrain announces temporary suspension of airspace

Bahrain closed its airspace temporarily as a precautionary measure following the attacks.

9.43 pm, June 23: Qatar says missile intercepted, no casualties reported

Qatar’s Defence Ministry confirmed that its air defence systems successfully intercepted missiles aimed at Al Udeid Air Base.

9.50 pm, June 23: Kuwait shuts down airspace temporarily until further notice

Kuwait closed its airspace temporarily as a precautionary measure. At the same time, Iranian state television reported that Iran has launched an operation targeting a US base in Qatar.

10.02 pm, June 23: Saudi Arabia condemns Iran’s missile attack on Qatar

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strongly condemned and denounced the aggression launched by Iran against Qatar.

10.04 pm, June 23: UAE strongly condemns missile attack targeting Qatar

The UAE strongly condemned the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s targeting of Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The UAE reaffirmed its unequivocal rejection of any aggression that endangers Qatar’s security and undermines regional stability.

10.46 pm, June 23: EgyptAir suspends all flights between Cairo and Gulf countries

EgyptAir suspended flights from Cairo to Gulf countries until regional conditions stabilise.

10.57 pm, June 23: Air India ceases operations

Indian carrier Air India ceases all operations to the region as well as to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe with immediate effect. Air India Express also suspended flights to the area.

IndiGo also cancelled operations in Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Dammam, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Madinah, Fujairah, Jeddah, Muscat, Sharjah, Riyadh, Ras AI-Khaimah and Tbilisi. IndiGo announced it had resumed operations in Gulf states at 12.06 pm on June 24.

11.05 pm, June 23: Middle East airspace closures divert 26 commercial flights

At least 26 commercial flights bound for Dubai, UAE, or Doha, Qatar, were diverted on Monday due to airspace closures in the Middle East, according to a CNN report citing aviation analytics firm Cirium. Of these, 22 flights were headed to Doha, with 12 operated by Qatar Airways. Some flights diverted to alternate airports along their routes, while others returned to their departure points.

Cirium also noted that another 39 flights from North America and 210 flights from Europe will depart later today toward the Middle East but face potential cancellations if the airspace remains closed.

11.15 pm, June 23: Oman Air suspends some regional flights amid tensions

Due to ongoing regional developments, Oman Air temporarily suspended flights to and from Manama, Dubai, Kuwait, and Doha.

11.41 pm, June 23: Dubai Airport resumes operations after brief suspension

Dubai Airports confirmed that operations have returned to full capacity following a temporary suspension. The airport authority emphasised that the safety and comfort of all passengers and flight crews remain its top priority. “While Dubai Airports is working with airlines to ensure flights operate according to schedule, some flights may experience delays or cancellations. Travellers are advised to stay informed by checking regularly with their airlines for the latest updates,” the Dubai Media Office said.

11.48 pm, June 23: Bahrain and Kuwait reopen airspace after brief suspension

State news agencies said that Bahrain and Kuwait reopened their airspace following a brief suspension.

12 am, June 23: Emirates announces disruption to flights

Emirates said some of its flights were rerouted en route to Dubai on June 23, but there were no diversions. After a thorough and careful risk assessment, Emirates said it would continue to operate flights as scheduled, using flight paths well distanced from conflict areas. It warned passengers that some flights may incur delays due to longer re-routings or airspace congestion.

1.19 am, June 24: Qatar reopens airspace after Iranian missile strike

Qatar reopened its airspace following a temporary suspension triggered by the launch of 19 missiles from Iran targeting the US-run Al Udeid Air Base.

2.10 am, June 24: Trump says Israel and Iran agreed to a ceasefire

US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran that he hopes will become permanent.

Numerous other US and European carriers (including United Airlines, American Airlines, Air France-KLM, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines) continued managing significant disruptions, with ongoing cancellations, suspensions, or flight rerouting impacting hubs like Dubai and Doha.

A day after the attacks, the Middle East's aviation sector is actively navigating the ripple effects, with airlines continuing to adjust operations and passengers facing ongoing disruptions.

Dubai Airports confirmed the full resumption of operations yesterday morning after a brief precautionary pause. Sharjah Airport also resumed full operations. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport urged all travellers to verify their flight details with airlines before heading to the airport.

All airlines have said that travellers flying through UAE hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi should still anticipate potential delays and cancellations as airlines work to stabilise schedules and reroute flights.

Etihad Airways said it is actively rerouting a number of its flights today, while Emirates’ cancellation of operations to Tehran and Iraq (Baghdad and Basra) remains in effect until June 30.

Air India's decision to cease all operations to the Middle East and to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe remains in effect until further notice. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has cancelled UAE flights until June 30.

Many other US and European carriers will continue monitoring the situation closely, with some still maintaining flight suspensions or significantly rerouting services to Gulf destinations, while others are cautiously resuming operations.