Qatar Airways have issued an update over his flights as the war in Iran continues to rage. Thousands of British holidaymakers have been left stuck after flight cancellations as escalating hostilities in Iran and across the Middle East disrupt air travel.
Closures of airspace over large parts of the region have now continued into their fifth day following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Amid the ongoing airspace the three major Gulf carrier – Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways – are taking different approaches to restarting operations. In an update this morning Qatar Airways announced that flights will remain grounded until at least Friday.
The suspension affects both departures and arrivals — the airline says it will resume services only once authorities deem the airspace safe.
The long haul carrier added that a further update will be provided on Friday March 6 at 9am with passengers being urged to keep an eye on the latest flight information.
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The statement on X read: “Update: Qatar Airways flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace.
“A further update will be provided on 06 March by 09:00 Doha time (06:00 UTC). All passengers are advised to monitor the latest flight information via http://qatarairways.com or the Qatar Airways mobile app.”
“Please ensure that your contact information is up to date so we can reach you whenever necessary.”
More than 130,000 Brits have registed as being stranded in the Gulf, around 11,000 commercial flights have been cancelled with 1 million people affected.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told MPs on Tuesday that the “safety and security” of British nationals was a “top priority”.
In response to regional airspace disruptions, Emirates is operating seven flights from Dubai to the UK today, with Etihad running two departures from Abu Dhabi. Virgin Atlantic will also operate a flight from Dubai to London Heathrow, providing limited options for stranded travellers.