Himalaya Airlines Suspends Middle East Flights Indefinitely

Himalaya Airlines has cancelled all its flights to Middle Eastern destinations until further notice after several Gulf countries imposed airspace restrictions following escalating hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran.

In a statement issued on Saturday evening, the airline said all services to Dubai, Dammam and Doha had been suspended due to the “ongoing situation in Middle East airspace”.

“Due to the evolving security situation and airspace closures in the region, our flights to Dubai, Dammam and Doha are cancelled until further notice,” the carrier said, urging passengers to follow its official website and social media platforms for updates.

Established in 2014, Himalaya Airlines is a joint venture between Tibetan Civil Aviation Development and Investment Company Ltd. (TCADIC) and Yeti World Investment Pvt. Ltd..

The flight suspensions come after joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran and subsequent retaliatory attacks by Iran heightened tensions across the region, prompting temporary airspace closures and widespread disruptions to commercial aviation.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal earlier said it was in close coordination with international airline operators serving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) regarding developments in Middle Eastern airspace.

Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also issued an advisory urging Nepali nationals in the Middle East to closely monitor the rapidly evolving security situation and comply with local safety directives.

According to international media reports, the Emirati General Civil Aviation Authority announced a temporary and partial closure of the United Arab Emirates’ airspace as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of flights and aircrews amid escalating security concerns.

Major regional carriers have taken similar measures. India’s largest private airline, IndiGo, and the flag carrier Air India have suspended flights to Middle Eastern destinations, according to reports by AFP.

Airlines are expected to review operations as the security situation develops, with further cancellations and rerouting likely if airspace restrictions remain in place.