Qatar Airways flights suspended to & from Doha as Virgin plane turned back to Perth Airport amid Iran strikes

The closure of Qatar airspace due to missile attacks in the Middle East affected flights to and from Doha and Virgin aircraft were forced to return to Perth.

The airspace was closed just hours after the United States and Israel launched a missile attack on Iran on Saturday, following months of tensions.

Iran retaliated and launched the first wave of large-scale retaliatory missile and drone attacks against Israel.

Perth Airport confirmed that Virgin flight VA21, which departed at approximately 16.30, returned approximately an hour and a half later, and Qatar Airways service QR901, which was scheduled to depart at 22.45, was cancelled.

Qatar Airways also announced that it has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Doha.

The major airline said it was working with authorities to support affected passengers but told customers to expect flight schedule delays when operations resume.

A Perth Airport spokesman said passengers affected by the airspace closure were asked to contact their airline.

“As these decisions are made by airlines, we recommend that passengers check with their airline and visit the Federal Government’s Smartraveller website for the latest travel advice.”

Smartraveller has updated its advice, putting Iran, Israel and Lebanon on the ‘Do Not Travel’ list.

“Due to the worsening regional security situation, we have increased our advisory level and now advise against travel due to the volatile security situation, armed conflict, civil unrest and terrorism,” the warnings read.

“There are military strikes and retaliatory attacks.”