Travel news: suspension of flight operations to Qatar

June 6, 2017

With the sudden closure of Qatar borders to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, comes some uncomfortable changes in travel rules as well. We understand your doubts and confused state and here’s how we’re trying to help with all the information we have at hand.

What happens to the flights booked to Qatar?

All flights operating from the UAE to Qatar will be suspended effective this morning (6^th June, 2017) until further notice. Official confirmations of flight cancellations have been received from Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, Gulf Air, Saudi Arabian Airlines and FlyDubai.

Meanwhile, Qatar Airways, in order to abide by the air space rules, is in the process of redirecting and diverting all its flights without having to fly over Saudi Arabia or the UAE. They have also made declarations that all flights to KSA will be suspended.

Can anyone from Qatar travel to the UAE? What about transits in Qatar?

According to the UAE Government, all 'Qatari means of transport' will be restricted from crossing UAE borders. Anyone transiting through Qatar to the UAE can at present do so (depending on the airline), however this will likely change before long. Stay informed!

What’s the update on the Nationals of UAE residing in Qatar or vice-versa?

The UAE nationals are banned from travelling to or via Qatar as of today and are asked to return to the UAE at the earliest. On the flip side, Qatari nationals are asked to leave the UAE in the next 14 days.

Diplomats of both countries are given 48 hours in total to leave to their respective countries.

Are all the borders of Qatar closed completely?

Yes, all the land, sea and air borders have been closed, implying that the roads to Qatar through Saudi Arabia has been closed as well. This means that Qatar's imports will be severely limited until further notice.

Which are the countries that has issued travel ban for Qataris?

Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, The Maldives, Yemen, Libya and the United Arab Emirates yesterday announced they would all withdraw their diplomatic staff from Qatar

We've already booked flights from Dubai that transit through Doha after Tuesday. What do I do?

As of now, it is best to wait and see. Qatar Airways has issued the following statement for each concerned country:

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Qatar Airways has suspended all flights to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia until further notice.

UAE
Qatar Airways has suspended all flights to the UAE from 00:00 UTC June 6 until further notice.

Kingdom of Bahrain
Qatar Airways has suspended all flights to the Kingdom of Bahrain from 00:00 UTC June 6 until further notice.

Egypt
Qatar Airways has suspended all flights to Egypt from 04:00 UTC June 6th until further notice.

Alternative options, including the option of a full refund on any unused tickets and rebooking to the nearest alternative destination will be provided to the affected flight passengers.

I’ve booked a flight to Doha with Musafir.com, what should I do next?

Worry not! Give us a call at 600 544 405 or write to us at help@musafir.com and we will assist you with your cancellation queries.

By Sajda Lathif