Limited Flights to Resume
“Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) announces the partial resumption of air navigation in the State of Qatar, through designated navigational contingency routes with limited operational capacity,” stated a representative from the QCAA. This announcement comes as Qatar prepares to reopen its airspace after a week of closures due to Iranian missile and drone strikes.
Starting on March 7, 2026, Qatar Airways will operate limited repatriation flights aimed at assisting stranded passengers. Initially, these flights will cater to those with confirmed bookings, prioritizing families, elderly passengers, and individuals with urgent medical needs.
Context of Airspace Closure
The airspace closure began on February 28, 2026, as a precautionary measure in response to escalating tensions and attacks from Iran, which have resulted in significant casualties. Reports indicate that at least 1,332 deaths have occurred in Iran since the conflict escalated, and Qatar’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that the country was struck by 14 ballistic missiles and four drones from Iranian forces.
As a result of the conflict, more than 2,000 flights have been cancelled at Doha’s Hamad International Airport, contributing to an estimated total of 23,000 flights cancelled across the region since late February. The impact of these cancellations has left many travelers stranded and in urgent need of assistance.
Future Developments
Qatar Airways has indicated that regular flight schedules have not yet resumed and will be announced on March 8, 2026. “We are working around the clock to organise additional relief flights where operationally possible and will share further updates as soon as they are confirmed,” a spokesperson for Qatar Airways noted.
Passengers with confirmed bookings are advised to follow updates from their airlines directly before travelling to the airport, as the situation remains fluid and details remain unconfirmed. The ongoing conflict continues to pose challenges for air travel in the region, particularly with Kuwait’s airspace remaining fully closed to commercial traffic.