Iran Attack Disrupts Gulf Air Travel: Bahrain Shuts Airspace, Flights Hit Across UAE, Kuwait

New Delhi: After Iran allegedly targeted Kuwait and Bahrain, parts of the Middle East have reportedly faced flight disruptions, prompting  precautionary measures in the region. Amid escalating regional tensions, Bahrain has shut its airspace, while airline services in the UAE and Kuwait were affected.

Did Bahrain close its space?

Bahrain closed its airspace amid escalating regional tensions, while aviation services in the UAE and Kuwait were affected, according to multiple reports. The US military reported on Wednesday morning that Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait and Bahrain either missed or were shot down, and the US responded by striking an Iranian facility.

What about talks with US?

The US Central Command said the attacks targeted an Iranian military ground control station on Qeshm Island, near the Strait of Hormuz, which also houses a desalination plant. The latest attack came after Iran reportedly stopped negotiating with mediators about extending the ceasefire with the US.

However, US President Donald Trump dismissed the claim, saying negotiations were still ongoing. Following the attack, flights were either evacuating people or remaining grounded in airspace near the Persian Gulf.

This comes at a time when several airlines have cancelled their flights to various parts of the Middle East, including Dubai, amid ongoing tensions in the region.

Which flights were cancelled?

• Greece's largest airline, Aegean, has cancelled its flights to Dubai until August 31 and to Erbil and Baghdad until July 2.
• Air Baltic has suspended its flights to Tel Aviv until June 28 and to Dubai until October 24.
• Air Canada has cancelled its flights to Tel Aviv and Dubai until September 7.
• Air France KLM has cancelled its flights to Beirut and Dubai until June 17 and to Riyadh until June 2.
• IAG has postponed the resumption of flights to Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv until August 1 and plans to reduce the number of flights to the region.
• Lufthansa, SWISS and ITA Airways have suspended their flights to Dubai until September 13.