Qatar Airways recently faced an unprecedented operational challenge when its national airspace was unexpectedly closed due to a high-security incident. This event required the airline to suspend global operations, affecting its hub at Hamad International Airport and causing significant disruption for passengers and crew.
In response to the crisis, Qatar Airways demonstrated effective coordination and resilience. The Group Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, addressed the situation in an open letter, highlighting the efforts made by the airline to manage the disruption. "This week brought an operational crisis few airlines will ever encounter," he stated.
On June 23rd, a missile attack from Iran on Al Udeid Air Base led to airspace closures in Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, and Kuwait. Over 90 Qatar Airways flights carrying more than 20,000 passengers were forced to divert immediately. The diverted flights landed in various countries including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, India, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.