Qatar Airways flights were suspended out of Doha after the Qatari airspace was closed due to US and Israeli strikes in Iran. The suspension was announced in the early hours of Feb. 28, after explosions were heard on the ground in the Qatari capital.
What situation has occurred in the Middle East?
The USA and Israel have attacked in Iranian airspace, which closed all the Iranian airspace that remained open after the previous conflicts between Israel and Iran. Consequently, this most recent conflict in the region caused the closure of several airspaces of neighbouring countries, including the UAE, Oman and Pakistan.
However, Qatar Airways is experiencing the most disruption worldwide, as the airline connects to major hubs globally, including London Heathrow, Singapore Changi, Tokyo Haneda and New York John F Kennedy. Other major hubs in the region, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi are also experiencing airspace closures due to the conflict.
What does this mean for passengers travelling with Qatar?
Passengers are currently on standby with no further information on when flights will resume across the region. Those on the ground in Doha have been told to keep checking online for any updates on reopening the airspace, but Qatar Airways released a statement that the airspace isn’t expected to open up until the evening.
Those expecting to fly with Qatar Airways from other airports worldwide are dependent on the origin airport. Many who were scheduled to have layovers in Doha are being rebooked with other airlines to their final destinations.
What do you think about the Qatari airspace closure? Let us know in the comments.
