Doha: Qatar has reopened its airspace after a temporary closure on June 23, 2025, caused by regional tensions and precautionary measures. The sudden shutdown led to flight chaos, with several planes diverted mid-air and many passengers stranded at Doha’s Hamad International Airport.
Flights Are Back — But Delays Continue
While Qatar’s airspace reopened early on June 24, the ripple effect is still being felt. Qatar Airways has confirmed that passengers should expect significant delays and some disruptions until at least June 26, 2025.
The airline is working hard to resume normal operations but warns that the backlog of diverted and delayed flights will take a few days to clear.
Travel Alert: What Qatar Airways Is Offering Travelers
Qatar Airways has issued a travel alert, offering flexibility to passengers whose plans were affected by the airspace closure.
If your travel date falls between June 23 and June 30, 2025, you can:
- Change your travel dates without any extra fees, as long as the new trip is scheduled before July 15, 2025.
- Cancel your flight and get a full refund for the unused portion of your ticket if you no longer wish to travel — with no cancellation charges.
The airline advises passengers to check flight updates regularly on their website or app before heading to the airport.
Is It Safe to Travel Now?
Yes, the situation has stabilized. The temporary shelter-in-place advice that was issued for travelers in Qatar has now been lifted by both US and UK authorities. Travelers are advised to stay alert but can continue with their plans as normal.
The current US travel advisory for Qatar is Level 1 — Exercise Normal Precautions. The UK has also confirmed that no special restrictions are in place.
Planning to explore the UK after your Middle East trip? Here’s a guide to top places to visit in the UK and weather tips for 2025.
Airspace Situation in the Region
While Qatar’s airspace is open, other countries in the region continue to face some restrictions:
- Iran: Airspace remains closed.
- Israel: Limited outbound flights are operating, but arrivals are suspended.
- Iraq: Airspace is closed except for daytime flights from Basra.
✈️ If you’re re-routing your journey, you can compare flights quickly via Trip.com or Kiwi.com for last-minute options.
Expect Some Price Hikes — Book Smart
With recent disruptions and rerouted flights, airfare prices may temporarily rise, especially for routes in and out of the Middle East.
For the best deals, it’s smart to compare prices before booking. Check Skyscanner to find cheaper flight options and avoid last-minute price spikes.
For the best deals, it’s smart to compare prices before booking. Check Skyscanner to find cheaper flight options and avoid last-minute price spikes. (Need more tricks? See our guide on how to find the best flight deals with Skyscanner.)
✅ Final Travel Tips
- Stay flexible with your travel plans.
- Keep checking qatarairways.com or the app for real-time updates.
- If your flight falls between June 23 and June 30, use the free date change option or request a refund if needed.
Before you travel again, check out these useful tips:
- How to find cheap flights
- How to plan a budget trip to the Maldives
- Get a SIM card as a tourist in Pakistan
