Qatar Airways to Resume Limited Flights
“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, in full coordination with the Qatari Armed Forces and the relevant authorities in the State,” stated a representative of the QCAA.
This announcement comes as Qatar Airways prepares to operate limited repatriation flights starting on March 7, 2026, following a week of closures in its airspace due to Iranian missile and drone strikes. The conflict has severely impacted air travel, leading to the cancellation of over 23,000 flights since late February 2026, with more than 2,000 of those cancellations occurring at Doha’s Hamad International Airport alone.
Initially, the flights will be available only for stranded passengers who possess confirmed bookings. Qatar Airways has indicated that priority will be given to those with families, elderly passengers, and individuals with urgent medical needs. This approach aims to address the most pressing travel requirements in the wake of the ongoing crisis.
The airspace closure, which began on February 28, 2026, was enacted as a precautionary measure amid escalating tensions in the region. The situation has resulted in significant casualties, with reports indicating at least 1,332 deaths in Iran since the strikes commenced.
As the situation evolves, Qatar Airways has committed to working diligently to organize additional relief flights where operationally feasible. “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 remarked.
While regular flight schedules have yet to resume, further announcements regarding the restoration of these services are expected on March 8, 2026. The QCAA’s efforts to reopen air navigation are crucial for the resumption of normal operations at Hamad International Airport and for the broader aviation sector in Qatar.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the aviation community and passengers alike remain hopeful for a swift return to normalcy. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding the full scope of flight operations in the coming weeks.