Quick summary
Qatar Airways suspended all Doha operations on February 28, 2026, following airspace closure from regional conflict. The airline launched limited relief flights today from Muscat and Riyadh to seven European cities — London, Berlin, Copenhagen, Madrid, Rome, Amsterdam, Frankfurt — but only passengers directly contacted by the airline should attempt the 11-hour drive to Muscat or 7-hour drive to Riyadh. All flights to Asia, Australasia, Africa, and North America remain grounded.
Thousands remain stranded in Doha with no scheduled long-haul departures. Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority will announce airspace reopening status by 9 am Doha time Friday, March 6.
Qatar Airways has relocated operations to Muscat Airport in Oman and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, launching emergency repatriation flights today as Iranian missile and drone attacks continue to target Doha. The airline’s entire Doha hub has been grounded since February 28 when Qatar’s airspace closed following US-Israeli strikes.
Travelers booked on Qatar Airways flights to Asia, Australasia, Africa, or North America face indefinite delays. The airline is operating only six Muscat-Europe routes and one Riyadh-Frankfurt service — a fraction of its normal 150+ daily departures from Doha.
Do not travel to Muscat or Riyadh unless Qatar Airways contacts you directly with a confirmed booking. British Airways relief flights from Muscat are fully booked through March 7, and Omani authorities report growing traffic delays at border crossings.
How the emergency relocation works
Qatar Airways began relief operations today with flights from Muscat to London Heathrow, Berlin, Copenhagen, Madrid, Rome, and Amsterdam. A single Riyadh-based aircraft is operating to Frankfurt. Passengers must receive direct airline contact — email or SMS — before attempting overland travel to these hubs.
The drive from Doha to Muscat takes approximately 11 hours under normal conditions, though Omani border authorities have warned of delays as thousands attempt to exit Qatar. The Riyadh route requires a 7-hour drive through Saudi Arabia.
Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority will announce airspace reopening status by 9 am Doha time on Friday, March 6. Until then, all long-haul routes — including critical Asia-Pacific connections serving Australian, New Zealand, and North American travelers — remain completely suspended.
The United Arab Emirates has established “safe air corridors” allowing Dubai-based Emirates to shift from repatriation-only flights to reduced commercial schedules accepting new bookings. UAE authorities operated 60 special flights evacuating 17,500 passengers between March 2-3, according to Euronews Travel.
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Why Oman became the emergency hub
This marks the first major Gulf airspace closure since 2020. Unlike previous regional tensions, the current conflict has forced simultaneous shutdowns across Qatar and partial restrictions in the UAE, making Oman’s open airspace the only viable option for evacuation logistics.
Muscat Airport lacks Qatar Airways’ infrastructure — the airline operates a purpose-built terminal in Doha with capacity for 50 million annual passengers. Muscat handles roughly 15 million annually across all carriers. The mismatch explains why Qatar Airways can operate only seven relief flights despite thousands stranded.
British Airways has already exhausted Muscat relief capacity, with all flights fully booked through March 7. Qatar Airways’ limited European schedule suggests similar constraints.
What to do if you’re affected
- Update contact details immediately via qatarairways.com or the mobile app — the airline will only reach passengers with current phone and email on file
- Wait for direct airline contact before traveling to Muscat or Riyadh; do not attempt the 7-11 hour drive without a confirmed flight assignment
- Request rebooking or refund for tickets dated February 28–March 10; Qatar Airways allows date changes up to 14 days or full refunds
- Monitor Friday’s 9 am Doha announcement from Qatar Civil Aviation Authority for airspace reopening status
Questions? Answers.
Can I book a new Qatar Airways flight right now?
No. Qatar Airways is operating repatriation-only flights for passengers already holding tickets. The airline is not accepting new bookings until Doha airspace reopens.
What if I’m connecting through Doha to Australia or New Zealand?
All Asia-Pacific routes remain suspended. Contact Qatar Airways for rebooking via alternative carriers or request a full refund. Do not travel to Doha expecting to connect — the airport is closed to commercial operations.
How long will the airspace closure last?
Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority will provide an update by 9 am Doha time on Friday, March 6. No reopening timeline has been announced. The closure began February 28 and has now entered its sixth day.
Are other Gulf airlines operating normally?
Emirates has resumed reduced commercial schedules from Dubai using “safe air corridors” with flow rate restrictions. Etihad Airways status from Abu Dhabi has not been confirmed. Oman Air continues normal operations from Muscat.
Will travel insurance cover this disruption?
Most standard policies exclude war and civil unrest. Check your policy’s “force majeure” clause. Qatar Airways is offering free rebooking or refunds for affected tickets, which may be your primary recourse regardless of insurance coverage.
