Flight operations by Qatar Airways remain suspended for the fifth consecutive day as the closure of Qatari airspace continues to disrupt travel across the Middle East, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and forcing airlines to reroute or cancel services worldwide.
According to the airline’s latest operational update, all scheduled flights remain temporarily suspended until authorities reopen the country’s airspace. The carrier said services will resume only once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirms that it is safe for commercial aviation to operate again.
The disruption began on 28 February after escalating regional tensions triggered widespread airspace closures across the Gulf. Several countries in the region restricted or shut their skies to civilian aircraft following military strikes and retaliatory actions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
As a result, key aviation hubs — including Hamad International Airport in Doha — have seen operations halted, severely affecting one of the world’s busiest global transit networks. The situation has created widespread travel disruption, with thousands of flights cancelled daily across the region and passengers unable to complete long-haul journeys that typically connect through Gulf hubs.
While some carriers have begun restoring limited services elsewhere in the region, major Gulf airlines — including Qatar Airways — continue to face operational restrictions due to ongoing security concerns and the closure of regional airspace.
To assist stranded travellers, the airline has announced plans to operate a limited number of evacuation and repositioning flights from nearby countries. These services, operating from Muscat in Oman and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, will connect passengers to several European destinations, including London, Berlin and Rome.
The prolonged shutdown highlights the vulnerability of global aviation to geopolitical shocks, particularly in the Gulf region, which functions as a critical crossroads for intercontinental travel between Europe, Asia and Africa.
Qatar Airways has advised passengers to check the airline’s website and mobile app for the latest updates on flight status, rebooking options and travel advisories.