Qatar announces ‘gradual resumption’ of flights by foreign airlines

Doha: Qatar’s aviation authority has announced that it would begin allowing flights from foreign airlines to land at its main airport for the first time since the start of the Middle East war.

“Qatar Civil Aviation Authority has issued a Notice to Airmen announcing the gradual resumption of operations for foreign airlines in the State of Qatar via Hamad International Airport,” the body said in a statement.

Qatar shut its airspace amid Iran’s retaliatory drone and missile campaign against Gulf countries, and partially reopened it to limited traffic on March 7, but only for flights operated by national carrier Qatar Airways.

The Qatari aviation authority said the reopening to foreign airlines “follows a comprehensive assessment of the situation”, adding that “safety and security of all remain its top priority”.

The reopening will be phased, with only select foreign airlines expected to resume services initially.

Passengers are advised to check directly with their airlines for the latest updates before travelling, as schedules may remain subject to change. Carriers are also expected to prioritise rebooking passengers affected by earlier cancellations, as well as managing any backlog created during the suspension period.

The move marks a step towards restoring operations in Qatar’s aviation sector, with further updates expected.