Airspace closures continue across parts of Middle East

Airspace restrictions across several Middle Eastern countries remain in place amid the regional crisis, with Kuwait continuing to keep its skies closed for a thirteenth consecutive day.

According to TASS, which cited a source in regional air traffic control circles, Kuwait first halted flights during the first half of the day on February 28, and the closure has since been repeatedly extended.

“The ban on flights in Kuwait’s airspace has once again been extended until 16:00 UTC, marking the thirteenth day that flights have not been operating in the country’s skies,” the source said.

Meanwhile, Bahrain has also prolonged the closure of its airspace. However, authorities have left one flight corridor open toward Saudi Arabia, allowing aircraft departing from Manama to use the route if the flight path is coordinated in advance.

In Qatar, the airspace has been partially reopened since 12:00 UTC for a limited number of flights heading to local airports. Since last Saturday, the emirate has been opening its skies for several hours each day, although transit flights to third countries remain prohibited.

By Tamilla Hasanova