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Qatar Airways Extends Flight Suspension Amid West Asia Conflict

Qatar Airways has extended the temporary suspension of its flight operations due to the closure of Qatari airspace amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways has resumed a limited commercial flight schedule from Abu Dhabi to select global destinations until March 19. The Civil Aviation Ministry confirmed the cancellation of 281 flights from Indian domestic carriers as tensions escalate. The conflict intensified after a US-Israel strike resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, prompting retaliatory drone and missile attacks from Tehran.

Key Points: Qatar Airways Suspends Flights as West Asia Conflict Escalates

  • Qatar Airways extends suspension
  • Etihad resumes limited flights
  • 281 Indian flights cancelled
  • Iran retaliates after leader's death
  • Conflict enters seventh day
2 min read

Qatar Airways extends suspension of its flight operations amid West Asia conflict

Qatar Airways extends flight suspension due to closed airspace. Etihad resumes limited flights. 281 Indian flights cancelled amid Iran-US tensions.

"The airline will resume its operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace. - Qatar Airways"

Doha, March 6

Qatar Airways has extended the temporary suspension of its flight operations due to the closure of Qatari airspace amid the West Asia conflict.

The Airline will resume its operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace by the relevant authorities.

Meanwhile, Etihad Airways resumed a limited commercial flight schedule from Abu Dhabi

The airline will operate select routes to major global destinations until March 19. Passengers with previous bookings will be re-accommodated as soon as possible on these flights.

These services will connect the UAE capital with several major international destinations across Asia, Europe and North America.

The destinations included in the temporary schedule are Ahmedabad, Bangkok, Bengaluru, Cairo, Colombo, Delhi, Frankfurt, Hanoi, Hyderabad, Jeddah, Kuala Lumpur, London Heathrow Airport, Madrid, Male, Milan Malpensa Airport, Sheremetyevo International Airport, Mumbai, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Paris, Phuket, Riyadh, Rome, Incheon International Airport, Toronto and Zurich.

The airline has requested passengers to travel to the airport only when they are contacted directly by Etihad or hold a confirmed booking on one of these new flights.

A total of 281 flights scheduled to operate on Thursday from Indian domestic carriers were cancelled, confirmed the Civil Aviation Ministry, adding that it continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in West Asia.

This comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on Saturday on Iranian territory resulted in the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran.

In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries as the conflict now entered its seventh day.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Aman W
Etihad resuming some flights from Abu Dhabi is a small relief, especially with connections to Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai. But 281 flights cancelled in India alone? The economic impact on travel and trade will be huge. Authorities need to have a better contingency plan.
R
Rohit P
The situation is escalating dangerously. When major airlines have to suspend operations, it shows how serious things are. Hope our MEA is actively working to ensure the safety of Indian citizens in the region. Jai Hind.
S
Sarah B
As someone who travels frequently between Bangalore and the Middle East for work, this disruption is a nightmare. Kudos to Etihad for trying to operate a limited schedule. Hope other airlines and authorities coordinate better to minimize passenger inconvenience.
K
Karthik V
Beyond the travel chaos, the human cost of this conflict is tragic. Innocent lives are being lost on all sides. The international community needs to push harder for de-escalation and dialogue. Violence is never the answer.
N
Nikhil C
The article mentions flights to Jeddah and Riyadh are still operating. Good to know the hajj and umrah pilgrims might have some options, though I imagine the situation is very tense. Safety first for all travellers.

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