Qatar Airways Resumes Limited Flights as Regional Airspace Reopens

Doha, Qatar – Qatar Airways announced on Monday, March 16, 2026, that it will resume a limited flight schedule to and from Doha starting Wednesday, March 18, 2026. This follows a period of significant disruption to air travel in the region due to the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran and subsequent airspace closures Qatar Airways Announcement.

Regional Airspace Disruptions and Airline Responses

The resumption of flights comes after weeks of disruption caused by the escalating conflict. The US and Israel launched a military assault on Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory missile and drone strikes from Iran across the region Qatar Airways Announcement. This led to widespread airspace closures and flight cancellations or reroutings by major airlines.

Several airlines, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways, initially operated limited schedules or suspended operations altogether. Emirates has since resumed full operations following the partial reopening of UAE airspace News18. Etihad Airways as well resumed limited services starting March 6, 2026 News18.

Qatar Airways’ Phased Approach to Recovery

Qatar Airways will initially operate approximately 15 daily departures from Doha, utilizing military-protected corridors. These flights will connect Doha to dozens of cities across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North and South America, and the Asia Pacific Qatar Airways Announcement. This represents a significant reduction from the airline’s pre-conflict schedule of over 150 daily flights.

The airline is initially focusing on point-to-point routes, but will resume limited connecting itineraries through Doha starting March 18, 2026, ending a two-week period where only direct flights were available Air Traveler. Qatar Airways expects to stabilize capacity around 60% of pre-conflict levels, mirroring the recovery pattern observed with Emirates Air Traveler.

Qatar Airways stated it will resume full operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe and complete reopening of Qatari airspace Qatar Airways Announcement.

Passenger Support and Rebooking Options

Qatar Airways is providing accommodation and on-the-ground assistance to passengers stranded in Doha. The airline is also assisting customers with rebooking requests Qatar Airways Travel Alerts. Passengers holding tickets for travel between February 28 and March 10, 2026, are eligible for free rebooking or refunds through the airline’s Manage Booking portal Air Traveler.

The gradual resumption of flights by major Middle Eastern carriers offers a glimmer of hope for travelers affected by the recent disruptions. However, continued monitoring of the geopolitical situation and airspace restrictions remains crucial.