“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.

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The first UK government flight for Britons stranded in the Middle East has departed, marking a significant step in the ongoing repatriation efforts. Since March 1, a total of 60 repatriation flights have left the UAE, transporting 17,498 passengers back to their home countries.

As the situation evolves, airspace across several parts of the Middle East has been restricted following military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran. This has led to a small number of flights at Heathrow being cancelled or delayed, according to airport officials.

Emirates is set to operate a limited flight schedule, with departures scheduled to begin on March 13. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways has also started a limited number of flights from Zayed International Airport for stranded passengers, emphasizing the need for travelers to wait for direct contact from their carriers before heading to the airport.

“Passengers should not travel to the airport unless contacted directly by Emirates or holding a confirmed booking on an operating flight,” a spokesperson for Emirates stated. This caution comes as air travel remains unpredictable due to the ongoing situation.

In addition to the flights, Oman-based carriers have organized bus transfers between Sharjah, UAE, and Muscat, Oman, for passengers with onward flights. These bus services are operating from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and again from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., providing essential connectivity for those needing to travel further.

Etihad Airways has acknowledged the high volume of inquiries, stating, “We are currently experiencing a high volume of calls and appreciate your patience as it may take longer than usual for calls to be answered.” This reflects the increased demand for information as travelers seek clarity amid the disruptions.

As of March 6, Etihad grounded its usual programming, and the situation remains dynamic, with schedules subject to change at short notice. Observers are closely monitoring developments as airlines adjust their operations in response to the ongoing crisis.

Travelers are advised to stay informed through official channels and to check for updates regularly. The deadline for changing Etihad bookings without a rebooking fee has been extended to March 31, 2026, providing some flexibility for passengers affected by the current circumstances.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of future flight operations and any additional measures that may be implemented as the situation develops.

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