Five SriLankan Airlines flights have been diverted to Muscat International Airport in Oman, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai International Airport in the UAE, due to the escalating security situation in the Middle East.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka stated that all necessary precautionary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of Sri Lankan passengers and other travellers on board SriLankan Airlines flights.
This development comes after several countries—including Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait—announced the temporary closure of their airspaces. The closures follow missile strikes launched by Iran targeting the Al Udeid U.S. military base in Doha, Qatar.
Iran’s military confirmed on Monday that it had launched what it called a “devastating and powerful” missile attack on the airbase. Explosions were reportedly heard across Doha shortly after Tehran issued threats to retaliate against recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian underground nuclear facilities. Over the weekend, U.S. bombers reportedly dropped 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs on Iranian sites, joining Israel in its air campaign against Iran.
Qatar’s defence minister, speaking to Al Jazeera, said its air defence systems intercepted the incoming missiles aimed at Al Udeid—the largest American military base in the region. Qatari authorities condemned the attack and confirmed that there were no casualties, while reserving the right to respond.
Airlines across the region have since rerouted flights to avoid conflict zones, citing safety concerns amid rising regional tensions.
