A FLIGHT bound for Doha has been diverted back to the UK after Iran launched a missile strike against a US airbase in Qatar.
Qatar Airways flight QR28 was on its way along the western coast of Turkey at approximately 5:56 pm UK time when it unexpectedly turned around to return to Manchester Airport.
Earlier today, Iran launched a salvo of ballistic missiles at Doha, targeting the Al Udeid US airbase – which houses around 10,000 US army personal.
Qatar Airways then announced at 7.30pm that it had temporarily grounded all flights after the Middle Eastern nation closed its airspace.
The airline stated on X: “Due to the closure of air traffic operations in the State of Qatar, we confirm the temporary halt of Qatar Airways flights.
“We are collaborating with government stakeholders and concerned authorities to assist affected passengers, and we will restart operations once the airspace is reopened.
“The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority.”
QR28 is not the only Qatar Airways flight from the UK to be affected, with another flight – QR4 from London Heathrow to Doha – also being diverted back to the capital.
The jet made it far over the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Greece, before it turned around heading back to London, according to aircraft tracker FlightRadar24.
Disruption has been spearheaded by Iran‘s missile attack of the Al Udeid airbase in Qatar, which lies less than 20 miles away from the heart of Doha.
Loud explosions were heard in the city while bright flashes could also be seen lighting up the night sky as air defence systems worked to intercept the missiles.
All the Iranian missiles were shot down, and no casualties were reported.
Despite the seeming end to the strike, it is still not yet known how long Qatar Airways flights will be suspended for.
No flights have appeared to take off or land at Doha Airport since the missiles were detected earlier today.
Following the Iranian attack, Trump posted on Truth Social saying he hopes “Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region”.
The president wrote: “Iran has officially responded to our Obliteration of their Nuclear Facilities with a very weak response, which we expected, and have very effectively countered.
“I am pleased to report that NO Americans were harmed, and hardly any damage was done. Most importantly, they’ve gotten it all out of their ‘system’.
“Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same.”
A senior Iranian official said Tehran will continue its retaliation in response to US attacks.
