Is it safe to travel to Qatar? Latest flight advice including for Doha airport amid Israel-Iran conflict
YESTERDAY saw Qatar's airspace close as a result of ongoing tensions in the Middle East, despite the country being home to one of the world's busiest airports.
With its airspace now open again and flights resuming, here is everything you need to know about travelling to - or through - Qatar.
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Doha is home to the world's second-largest airport
Credit: Alamy
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Many travellers are stranded as Hamad International Airport experiences delays
Credit: Reuters
What is happening in Qatar?
On Monday June 23, Iran launched a missile strike on a US airbase in Qatar.
This was in retaliation to a US attack on Iranian nuclear facilities that had been carried out amid Iran's ongoing conflict with Israel.
Qatari airspace was closed after flares were seen over the capital city, Doha, leaving thousands of passengers stranded - but it reopened today (Tuesday June 24) and air travel has resumed.
The US Embassy in Qatar also issued a 'shelter-in-place' order to its citizens in the area, with the UK Foreign Office issuing the same to British nationals.
Read more on travel warnings
TRAVEL UP Is it still safe to travel to Dubai? Latest holiday warning and flight update
Both the US and UK have since lifted the orders.
Is it safe to visit Qatar or transit through Doha?
A ceasefire was announced by US President Donald Trump this morning, but it has now been broken.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Qatar.
While it does not explicitly advise against travel to the area, it warns that there are risks that could warrant another closure of airspace.
The FCDO says: "Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran have the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning including since US military strikes against Iran on 22 June.
There is a possibility of travel disruption, including short-notice airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights, and other unanticipated travel impacts."
UK flight heading to Doha forced to turn back after Iran's missile strike at Qatar
It also advises the following the instructions of local authorities and reading the FCDO guidelines on what to do if you're affected by a crisis abroad.
Have flights been cancelled to Doha airport?
Thousands of travellers have been affected by flight cancellations after Doha's Hamad International airport closed for eight hours.
A Doha-bound Qatar Airways flight was diverted back to Manchester airport as a result of yesterday's missile strike, with another forced to return to London Heathrow.
Qatar Airways temporarily grounded all inbound planes, and other flights over the Middle East found themselves diverted to alternative airports in the region.
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Qatar Airways has released a statement for passengers
Credit: Alamy
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Qatari airspace closed after Iran launched missile strikes on a US air base
Credit: Reuters
The airline is now restoring its schedule but warns that possible disruptions could last until June 26.
Hamad International airport is the world's second largest after Dubai and is used by over 120,000 passengers a day.
Flights bound for Doha today are still experiencing severe disruption according to air traffic site FlightRadar.
Arrivals are experiencing an average delay of 5 hours, and some flights are cancelled.
Travellers should check with relevant airlines for the latest updates before flying.
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The FCDO has not advised against all travel to Qatar
Credit: Getty
Can I cancel my trip?
As the FCDO has not advised Brits not to travel, it is unlikely that you will be able to claim a full refund through travel insurance.
However, in a statement provided to The Sun, Qatar Airways said: "Those who wish to change their travel dates may do so without paying a fee until 15 July 2025.
"Customers who no longer wish to travel can opt to receive a refund of the unused value of their tickets, without any cancellation fee being applied."
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The temporary closure of Qatari airspace has caused travel disruption
Credit: Michael Schofield
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