Qatar Airways Suspends All Doha Flights Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict
Qatar Airways has become the first major airline to suspend all flights to and from its capital, Doha, as the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies across the Middle East. This unprecedented move follows the closure of Qatari airspace on Saturday due to missile attacks exchanged between the two nations, with Iran targeting US military bases located in Doha.
Background of the Escalating Tensions
The United States earlier assisted Israel in launching a coordinated air and sea attack on Iran, after negotiations earlier in the month failed to resolve Iran's nuclear ambitions. US President Donald Trump stated that Iran has been perpetrating mass terror and emphasized that the US isn't going to put up with it any longer. In response, Iran launched a wave of missiles and drone attacks at Israel and US military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, with its foreign ministry citing the need to defend the homeland and confront the enemy's military assault.
Impact on Air Travel and Passenger Disruptions
Qatar Airways announced the suspension of all arrivals and departures from Doha on Saturday, directly attributing the decision to the escalating conflict. The airline issued a statement confirming it is working closely with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume operations only when the airspace reopens. Once normal operations resume, delays to the flight schedule are anticipated. To manage the situation, additional ground staff have been deployed at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist affected passengers, with the airline prioritizing safety and apologizing for any inconvenience caused.
Flights from Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth were forced to turn back to Australia following the announcement, highlighting the immediate global impact. Flight radar images reveal that numerous airlines are avoiding the Middle East region as airspaces remain closed due to the ongoing hostilities.
Regional Airline Responses and Safety Measures
Emirates also reported significant disruptions, stating that regional airspace closures have caused disruption to several Emirates flights. The airline urged customers to check online for updates and is actively monitoring the situation while engaging with relevant authorities to adjust operations accordingly. Emirates adheres to all regulatory requirements and follows guidance from aviation authorities, offering rebooking, refunds, or alternative travel arrangements to affected customers, with safety and security remaining the highest priority.
This conflict has led to widespread travel chaos, with international flights rerouting to avoid airspace over Iran and other affected areas. The situation underscores the broader implications for global aviation and regional stability, as tensions continue to mount in the Middle East.
