12+ explosions near Al Udeid Air Base. Qatar Airways suspends operations.
Qatar, a small but wealthy Gulf state with a population of approximately 2.9 million, has become a major target in Iran's retaliatory strikes due to its hosting of Al Udeid Air Base. Al Udeid is the largest US military facility in the Middle East, housing the forward headquarters of US Central Command (CENTCOM), the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) that coordinates all US air operations across the region, and approximately 10,000 US military personnel. The base operates some of the longest runways in the Gulf and hosts B-52 bombers, KC-135 tankers, F-22 Raptors, and a wide array of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft.
Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles at Al Udeid, with residents across the greater Doha area reporting at least 12 loud explosions in rapid succession. The pattern of detonations is consistent with Patriot PAC-3 and THAAD missile defense systems engaging incoming targets at high altitude. Some debris from intercepts has fallen in areas between Al Wakrah and Mesaieed, south of Doha. Qatar's civil defense authority has deployed emergency teams to assess any ground-level damage and assist affected residents.
Qatar has historically maintained a complex diplomatic relationship with Iran, sharing the world's largest natural gas field (South Pars/North Dome) across their maritime border. This economic interdependence made Qatar a less likely target compared to Bahrain or the UAE, but the presence of CENTCOM's operational nerve center at Al Udeid made it an inevitable focus of Iranian retaliation. Hamad International Airport, one of the world's premier aviation hubs and home base for Qatar Airways, has suspended most commercial operations. The disruption to Qatar Airways' global network, which connects over 150 destinations, has cascading effects on international air travel.
Iran's IRGC released footage claiming successful missile strikes on four major US military installations: Al Udeid Air Base (Qatar), Al Salem (Kuwait), Al Dhafra (UAE), and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.
Iran's IRGC launched three waves of ballistic missiles and drones targeting US military bases and allied nations across the Persian Gulf, striking at targets in the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan.
Airports across the region have halted operations including Dubai DXB, Dubai DWC, Doha DOH, Bahrain BAH, Kuwait KWI, Tel Aviv TLV, Tehran IKA, and Isfahan IFN. Airlines rerouting hundreds of flights.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps released footage claiming successful missile strikes on Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the Middle East hosting over 10,000 personnel.
The three major Gulf carriers announced indefinite suspension of all operations. Emirates diverted 47 aircraft currently en route. Tens of thousands of passengers stranded globally.
Qatar's Hamad International Airport suspended all operations as the Qatari Air Force scrambled F-15 fighters. Al Udeid Air Base reportedly on high alert following IRGC threats.
Airlines worldwide are scrambling to reroute flights as airspace closures now span from the eastern Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf. Eurocontrol issued warnings for all flights routing through the region.
European natural gas futures jumped 18% as traders priced in potential disruptions to Qatar's LNG exports through the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar supplies roughly 25% of Europe's LNG imports.
The State Department issued Level 4 Do Not Travel advisories for Iran, Iraq, and the entire Persian Gulf region. An estimated 50,000 American citizens are currently in the affected area.
European flag carriers including British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, and KLM suspended all services to the Middle East through at least March 7. Passengers offered full refunds or rebooking.
US Central Command confirmed that all American military personnel across Gulf bases are accounted for following Iranian retaliatory strikes. CENTCOM reported no US military casualties at this time.
India and Pakistan announced emergency evacuation plans for their combined 15 million nationals living in Gulf countries. India dispatched naval vessels while Pakistan prepared special flights.
Iran targeted Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the Middle East, with multiple ballistic missiles. US forces engaged incoming missiles with Patriot PAC-3 and THAAD interceptors. The Pentagon has confirmed the base was targeted but has not disclosed whether any missiles penetrated defenses. At least 12 explosions were reported in the area surrounding the base, consistent with intercepts and possible debris impacts.
Qatar is under a heightened security alert following Iranian missile strikes targeting Al Udeid Air Base. The Qatari government has activated emergency protocols and residents have been advised to shelter in place and avoid unnecessary travel. Qatar's population of approximately 2.9 million, the majority of whom are expatriate workers, faces significant uncertainty as the situation develops.
Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha has suspended most commercial flight operations as of February 28, 2026. Qatar Airways, one of the world's largest airlines, has cancelled or diverted the majority of its flights. Limited outbound evacuation flights may be operating. Passengers should check directly with their airlines and the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority for the latest information.
Al Udeid Air Base is located approximately 35 kilometers southwest of central Doha. The base's proximity to the capital means that missile intercepts and any debris from defensive engagements can be heard and potentially impact areas across the greater Doha metropolitan area. Residents in Al Wakrah, Mesaieed, and southern Doha suburbs are closest to the base.