Flights to and from Kochi airport hit by closure of Qatar airspace

Air travel from Kerala to Gulf nations faced major disruptions on Monday after Qatar temporarily closed its airspace in response to heightened regional tensions. Several flights scheduled to depart from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport were either cancelled or diverted as Indian carriers adjusted routes following Iran's reported missile strikes on a U.S. base in Qatar.

The abrupt closure of airspace in parts of the Gulf has had a ripple effect on Indian travel routes, especially affecting Kerala, a state with strong economic and familial ties to the region. Gulf cities such as Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi also serve as vital transit hubs for Indian passengers traveling to other global destinations.

Authorities have urged travellers to check with their airlines for updates and alternative arrangements. No official word has been issued yet on when regular flight operations will resume.