In a statement issued on April 20, 2026, QCAA said it had released a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) authorising the phased restart of international airline services.
The authority said the decision followed a comprehensive assessment of the prevailing situation, conducted in coordination with all relevant national entities, to ensure the highest levels of readiness and operational efficiency.
QCAA emphasised that all flights and related airport operations would be conducted in line with internationally recognised safety and security standards, with all necessary precautions in place to protect passengers, crew, and aviation personnel.
“The safety and security of all remain our top priority,” the authority said.
Several international carriers had suspended or adjusted their services to Qatar as regional instability intensified, including RwandAir, which was among the airlines affected by the disruptions.
The ongoing Middle East conflict began in late February 2026, when coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iranian military targets significantly heightened tensions across the region. Iran responded with retaliatory actions that quickly transformed the situation into a broader multi-front regional conflict.
The escalation severely disrupted global travel routes, trade flows, and energy markets, with airlines forced to reroute, delay, or suspend operations due to security concerns and airspace restrictions across parts of the Gulf and wider Middle East.
Qatar’s decision to gradually reopen operations for foreign carriers is expected to ease pressure on regional aviation and restore confidence among international airlines and travellers using Doha as a major transit hub.
Leave a Reply