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 had reached as far as the western Turkish coastline at around 5.56pm UK time when it dramatically made a U-turn, taking it back to Manchester Airport.
ReutersAirspace over Qatar was closed after Iran launched missile strikes against the US Al Udeid airbase near the capital Doha[/caption]
AlamyA number of flights from the UK bound for Doha have been diverted back to their starting points (file photo)[/caption]
Missiles being intercepted by air defence systems above Doha
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 wrote on X: “As a result of the closure of air traffic movement in the State of Qatar, we can confirm the temporary suspension of Qatar Airways flights.
“We are working closely with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to support any passengers that have been impacted, and will resume operations when the airspace reopens.
“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.
GettyA Qatar Airways flight from Manchester to Doha has turned around, following Iran’s bombing of a US airbase in the Middle Eastern nation (file photo)[/caption]
Iranian missiles had been launched at the Al Udeid airbase which lies less than 20 miles away from Doha Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
