Quantcast

Qatar Airways manages unprecedented airspace closure with swift response

Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Qatar Airways manages unprecedented airspace closure with swift response
Policy
Webp ce12j9cthweiupw4t58m92m5r97h
Geoffrey Thomas Editor-In-Chief - US Bureau Chief | Airline Ratings

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.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The closure of Qatari airspace also affected over 10,000 passengers already in transit at Hamad International Airport. Many flight crews exceeded their legal operating hours as aircraft were grounded or rerouted across continents.

Once airspace reopened after midnight on June 24th, diverted aircraft began returning to Doha. By Tuesday evening on June 24th, Qatar Airways had operated a total of 390 flights as part of its recovery efforts. "By Tuesday... our operation has stabilised even further," said Al-Meer.

Qatar Airways provided hotel accommodations for over 4,600 customers using approximately 3,200 rooms across Doha. The airline distributed over 35,000 meals and offered comfort kits and support directly to passengers.

The airline's quick recovery reflects its commitment to safety and operational excellence during crises. As Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer expressed gratitude towards passengers and staff: "Faced with an extraordinary challenge... we came together to support our passengers."

Qatar Airways' handling of this situation reinforces its reputation as one of the world's safest airlines.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The Emirates Group recently held an exhibition titled "Tomorrow Takes Flight," showcasing its sustainability initiatives in aviation.

Jul 4, 2025

American Airlines, known for its extensive network of hub airports, once operated a significant hub at St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) in Missouri.

Jul 4, 2025

Qantas Airways has reported a cyber attack targeting one of its contact centers, leading to a potential data breach affecting up to six million customers.

Jul 4, 2025

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is experiencing a significant increase in airline travel.

Jul 4, 2025

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has reported continued interest in its E2 jet family, following a successful presentation at the Paris Air Show.

Jul 4, 2025

London Heathrow Airport is experiencing a busy schedule of Airbus A380 flights this July, with 21 daily departures on most days.

Jul 4, 2025