Key points
- Airlines warn that delays and disruptions will persist
- Several flights from Australia remain affected
- Qantas flight QF33 from Perth to Paris was forced to return
- Flight QF9 from Perth to London was diverted to Singapore
ISLAMABAD: Qatar’s main international airport has reopened its airspace following its closure due to attacks on a US airbase in the country.
The closure caused significant disruption, with dozens of flights to the Middle East being diverted or cancelled. However, travel chaos continues for Australians travelling to the region or using it as a stopover to Europe, according to 9News.
The airspace shutdown affected numerous airlines, including Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad, and FlyDubai. Although the airspace is now open, airlines warn that delays and disruptions will persist, impacting flights between Australia and destinations in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Several flights from Australia remain affected this morning. Qantas flight QF33 from Perth to Paris was forced to return to Perth, while flight QF9 from Perth to London was diverted to Singapore.
Accommodating passengers
Passengers on QF9 are being accommodated overnight until rebooking is possible. A Qantas spokesperson said, “Due to airspace closures and congestion in the Middle East, QF9 has been diverted to Singapore and QF33 has returned to Perth. We are closely monitoring the situation and will adjust schedules as necessary.”
In addition, two Virgin Australia flights operated by Qatar Airways and three Qatar Airways flights from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth have been diverted, landing in countries such as India and Singapore.
Three more flights from Australian airports to Doha scheduled for today have been cancelled: QR909 (Sydney to Doha), QR905 (Melbourne to Doha), and QR899 (Brisbane to Doha).
Dean Long, CEO of the Australian Travel Industry Association, advised travellers not to cancel their plans within the next few days. He explained that flights will remain held in safe locations until it is secure to continue, with the crew rested before resuming journeys. Passengers will be contacted if flights are cancelled and can opt for a full cash refund if they choose not to travel.
Resuming operations
Qatar Airways cautioned that significant delays are expected as operations gradually resume, advising passengers to check the airline’s website or mobile app before travelling. The disruptions mark the most severe air traffic impact in the region to date.
Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines has suspended flights to Gulf destinations, including Dubai, which, alongside Doha, serves as a major international hub. Airlines like Singapore Airlines and British Airways have also cancelled flights.
Doha’s Hamad International Airport, one of the world’s busiest, operates over 500 daily flights, connecting more than 170 destinations globally. The knock-on effects of the disruption continue to ripple through international aviation.
Air traffic controllers have now established a safe corridor into Dubai’s airport after temporary suspensions, but there is no clear indication of when full normality will return.
