Airlines diverted additional flights across the Middle East on Monday after Iran’s armed forces said the country launched a missile strike on a U.S. military base in Qatar, escalating military tensions in the region.
More than 20 commercial flights bound for Doha, Qatar, were diverted, while another four heading to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates turned back, according to aviation data firm Cirium.
Flight-tracking platform Flightradar24 reported that airspace over the UAE was closed. Reuters also noted that Bahrain temporarily shut its airspace.
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir is currently in the UAE after arriving in the Gulf nation on Sunday. The duration of his visit was not specified.
British Airways announced Monday that it would cancel flights to Doha through Wednesday “following the latest developments.”
“Safety is always our highest priority,” the airline said. “We are contacting our customers to advise them of their options and will keep the situation under review.”
Earlier, major international carriers including Air France, Iberia and Finnair said they would pause or further delay resuming service to some Middle Eastern destinations.
American Airlines had already suspended flights to Doha, while United Airlines halted service to Dubai.
U.S. airlines had also stopped flights to Israel following its strike on Iran earlier this month.
The Middle East conflict adds to the yearslong war in Ukraine, where airlines have also avoided certain routes. The dual conflicts have forced carriers to take longer, costlier flight paths that require more fuel, while periodically suspending service when attacks intensify.