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Indian Express
26-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Over 90 flights with more than 20,000 flyers had to be diverted: Qatar Airways CEO details how airline managed Iran missile crisis
When Qatar announced a sudden closure of its airspace Monday evening, shortly before Iran launched a volley of missiles at the US military base—Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar—over 90 Qatar Airways flights with more than 20,000 passengers were on their way to its hub Doha, and had to be diverted to airports in various countries, including 15 to India, the airline's chief executive Badr Mohammed Al Meer said in a letter to passengers, detailing how the global airline managed the crisis over the next two days. He described the crisis as 'an operational crisis few airlines will ever encounter, and one that 'challenged the very core of what it means to run a global airline'. The airspace closure snowballed into a major international disruption, given Qatar Airways' extensive network and Doha being a mega hub airport, where thousands of passengers transit daily. Iran's missile attack—in retaliation of American airstrikes at its nuclear facilities—led to other West Asian countries including the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait also shutting down their airspaces for a few hours, which deepened the disruption further. 'At the time (of the airspace closure), over 90 Qatar Airways flights carrying more than 20,000 passengers to Doha, were forced to divert immediately. 25 flights diverted into airports across Saudi Arabia, 18 into Turkey, 15 into India, 13 into Oman, and 5 into the United Arab Emirates. The remaining aircraft were re-routed to major hubs including London, Barcelona, and others across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East,' wrote Al Meer, terming the Qatari airspace closure as 'unexpected and unprecedented'. 'At around 18:00 local time on Monday, 23 June, an unexpected and unprecedented closure of Qatari airspace forced Qatar Airways to suspend global operations with immediate effect. Shortly after, airspace was also closed in Bahrain, the UAE, and Kuwait. Hamad International Airport (Doha), one of the world's busiest and most connected global hubs, was brought to a standstill, with almost 100 aircraft en route to Doha, several already on approach to our runways, and others lining up for departure,' he said. Scale of the disruption With all departures from Doha suspended until past midnight (Qatar time), the airline's 'routine, seamlessly synchronised global operation' was instantly scattered into dozens and dozens of disrupted flight scenarios across continents, 'each with their own complexities and requirements'. According to Al Meer, over 10,000 passengers were already in transit at the Doha airport when the disruption began, finding themselves caught in the middle of 'one of the most severe and complex operational challenges in modern aviation history'. 'Around the world, some of our flight crews had timed out of legal operating hours. Most of our fleet, including A380s carrying more than 450 passengers each, were now out of position, some grounded at airports with curfews. Several flights had to wait for clearance to re-enter restricted regional airspace. Aircraft routing plans were rewritten in parallel with passenger itineraries. Over 151 flights were immediately disrupted. Every part of the operation had to adapt in real time — without precedent, and without pause,' Al Meer wrote in the letter. He added that the priority for Qatar Airways was clear—to care for passengers impacted by the unprecedented situation, and to restore its global operations 'as safely and swiftly as possible'. Crisis mitigation efforts in Doha Once the Qatari airspace reopened shortly after midnight on Tuesday, the diverted aircraft began returning to Doha over the course of several hours. As a result, the number of passengers in transit at the Doha airport ballooned to over 22,000 by 5 am (Qatar time). 'As an airline, our business continuity plans were activated, and our teams coordinated on hard resource planning, catering, ground transport, hotel accommodation, and real-time alignment with passenger movements, immigration, customs, and every airport stakeholder. Over 4,600 customers were provided hotel accommodation, using approximately 3,200 rooms across Doha. Many of these passengers received onward boarding passes for their rescheduled flights before even leaving the terminal—allowing for a smoother re-entry once our operations resumed,' the Qatar Airways CEO said. Meanwhile at the Doha airport, Qatar Airways group teams got busy rebooking journeys, and even manually rebuilding complex travel itineraries—some involving other airlines, and even expired visas. The airline also decided to increase capacity to destinations with 'high volumes of displaced passengers'. 'Contact centre resources were scaled up to cope with global demand. We quickly established a flexible travel policy, allowing passengers who had not yet started their journeys to make changes or refund their bookings without fees. Across our global stations, ground handlers and partners moved quickly, supported by live coordination between our airport and airline operations control centres,' Al Meer said. Resumption of normal flight operations On Tuesday, Qatar Airways operated a total of 390 flights as it worked to restore the integrity of its flight schedule. Around 20,000 passengers from its disrupted flights were cleared within 24 hours, with more than 11,000 resuming their journeys on the morning of June 24, while the remainder departed through the evening that day and the morning of June 25. According to Al Meer, after that, there were no passengers from diverted flights that were still stranded. 'Within just 18 hours, our scheduled operations had resumed. Wave by wave, the system began to stabilise. By the end of Tuesday, more than 58,000 passengers had departed Doha—moved not by chance, but by a coordinated effort from across the Qatar Airways Group to fulfil our responsibility during this unprecedented disruption,' Al Meer said. The airline's operations stabilised further on June 25 with the operation of 578 flights. According to data from Cirium, an aviation analytics company, Qatar Airways normally has between 523 and 547 daily flights, depending on the day of the week. Sukalp Sharma is a Senior Assistant Editor with The Indian Express and writes on a host of subjects and sectors, notably energy and aviation. He has over 13 years of experience in journalism with a body of work spanning areas like politics, development, equity markets, corporates, trade, and economic policy. He considers himself an above-average photographer, which goes well with his love for travel. ... Read More
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Passengers diverted due to Iranian strike on US airbase were on new flights within 24 hours, says Qatar Airways CEO
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Around 20,000 passengers who witnessed flight diversions following an Iranian missile strike on the US Al Udeid Airbase on Monday (June 23) were put on new flights within 24 hours, Badr Al Meer, Qatar Airways ' chief executive, said on Wednesday (June 25, 2025)."This week brought an operational crisis few airlines will ever encounter, and one that challenged the very core of what it means to run a global airline,' Al Meer said in a statement, The National reported. Tehran responded to the US attacks on its nuclear facilities and launched a missile strike on the Al Udeid Airbase in Qatar, escalating tensions in the gulf region amid the Israel-Iran conflict Following Iran's retaliation against Washington, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria all shut their airspaces. Besides this, airports in Abu Dhabi and Dubai delayed Meer stated that more than 90 Qatar Airways flights to Doha were 'forced to divert immediately.' According to The National, at least 25 flights went to Saudi Arabia, 18 went to Turkey, 15 to India, 13 to Oman, and five to the UAE. Other aircraft were rerouted to locations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle Qatar Airways chief further said that around 151 Qatar Airways flights faced immediate disruptions and that the airline had no option but to adapt in real 'time—'without precedent and without pause.'Over 10,000 passengers were also present at the Hamad International Airport. 'They found themselves caught in the middle of one of the most severe and complex operational challenges in modern aviation history,' Al Meer said, according to The said that more than 11,000 passengers resumed their travel on Tuesday morning (June 24, 2025). Meanwhile, others departed later that evening and on Wednesday morning. 'As of today, there are no passengers from diverted flights left stranded,' Al Meer Qatar Airways, other airlines, including Emirates, had also sprung into action, suspending, delaying, cancelling, or rerouting flights in the Gulf region due to the Iranian strike. Etihad Airways cancelled services to and from Tel Aviv until July on Tuesday said its passengers experienced minimal disruptions after scheduled flights resumed within a few hours. Meanwhile, Dubai-based airline flydubai said it would resume operations to Damascus starting on Thursday. It said it plans to resume its full schedule from July 1.
Gulf Insider
26-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Qatar Airways CEO Reveals Details Behind Travel Recovery
Qatar Airways successfully restored its global flight operations within 18 hours after an unprecedented shutdown of Qatari airspace on June 23, following a missile attack near Al Udeid Air Base. The escalation, which temporarily halted all departures from Doha and forced over 90 inbound flights to divert mid-air, led to widespread travel disruption. In an open letter to passengers, Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Group Chief Executive Officer, has explained how the airline recovered from the disruption and co-ordinated a travel operation with tens of thousands of passengers. Al Meer said flights were redirected to Saudi Arabia, Turkey, India, Oman and the UAE, while thousands of passengers were put up in hotel rooms and more than 35,000meals were served to stranded people. See the full letter from Badr Mohammed Al Meer below. 151 flights disrupted globally 20,000+ passengers diverted mid-air 90+ flights en route to Doha at the time of airspace closure 25 flights diverted to Saudi Arabia 18 flights diverted to Turkey 15 flights diverted to India 13 flights diverted to Oman 5 flights diverted to the UAE 10,000+ passengers already in transit inside Hamad International Airport 35,000+ meals distributed to stranded travellers 4,600+ passengers provided with hotel accommodation 3,200 hotel rooms secured across Doha 390 flights operated on 24 June during recovery 578 scheduled flights resumed by 25 June 22,000+ passengers in Doha transit at 05:00 on 24 June 11,000+ passengers resumed travel by morning wave on 24 June All 20,000 diverted passengers rebooked and cleared within 24 hours 18 hours to resume full operations across the network 'To all our passengers who place their trust in Qatar Airways, 'This week brought an operational crisis few airlines will ever encounter, and one that challenged the very core of what it means to run a global airline. 'At around 6pm local time on Monday, June 23, an unexpected and unprecedented closure of Qatari airspace forced Qatar Airways to suspend global operations with immediate effect. 'Shortly after, airspace was also closed in Bahrain, the UAE, and Kuwait. Hamad International Airport, one of the world's busiest and most connected global hubs, was brought to a standstill, with almost 100 aircraft en route to Doha, several already on approach to our runways, and others lining up for departure. 'In the moments that followed, a missile attack was launched from Iran on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. As missiles entered the skies above Qatar, air defence systems were activated and the State of Qatar's Armed Forces took swift, decisive action to protect its people, defend its territory, and ensure the safety of everyone within its borders. 'At the time, over 90 Qatar Airways flights carrying more than 20,000 passengers to Doha, were forced to divert immediately. '25 flights diverted into airports across Saudi Arabia, 18 into Turkey, 15 into India, 13 into Oman, and 5 into the United Arab Emirates. 'The remaining aircraft were re-routed to major hubs including London, Barcelona, and others across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Group Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways 'All departures from Doha were suspended until 12.01am on June 24 at the earliest. Our routine, seamlessly synchronised global operation was, in an instant, scattered into dozens and dozens of disrupted flight scenarios across continents, each with their own complexities and requirements. 'Inside Hamad International Airport, over 10,000 passengers were already in transit, expecting to depart when the escalation occurred. They found themselves caught in the middle of one of the most severe and complex operational challenges in modern aviation history. 'Around the world, some of our flight crews had timed out of legal operating hours. Most of our fleet, including A380s carrying more than 450 passengers each, were now out of position, some grounded at airports with curfews. 'Several flights had to wait for clearance to re-enter restricted regional airspace. Aircraft routing plans were rewritten in parallel with passenger itineraries. Over 151 flights were immediately disrupted. Every part of the operation had to adapt in real time — without precedent, and without pause. 'The priority for us was clear: to care for our passengers impacted by the unprecedented situation that continued to unfold, and to restore our global operations as safely and swiftly as possible. 'Once airspace reopened shortly after midnight on Tuesday, June 24, diverted aircraft began returning to our Doha hub over the course of several hours — each arrival a step towards reassembling our operation. 'As these aircraft and their passengers disembarked at Hamad International Airport, the number of passengers in transit surged to over 22,000 by 5am local time. 'As an airline, our business continuity plans were activated, and our teams coordinated on hard resource planning, catering, ground transport, hotel accommodation, and real-time alignment with passenger movements, immigration, customs, and every airport stakeholder. Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar 'Over 4,600 customers were provided hotel accommodation, using approximately 3,200 rooms across Doha. 'Many of these passengers received onward boarding passes for their rescheduled flights before even leaving the terminal — allowing for a smoother re-entry once our operations resumed. 'Teams from across the airline group stepped into transit areas to assist passengers directly, rebooking journeys, prioritising medical cases, supporting families and elderly travellers, and manually rebuilding complex travel itineraries, some involving other airlines, and expired visas. 'Over 35,000 meals were distributed, and water, comfort kits, and reassurance were offered face to face, flight by flight. 'We increased capacity to destinations with high volumes of displaced passengers. Contact centre resources were scaled up to cope with global demand. We quickly established a flexible travel policy, allowing passengers who had not yet started their journeys to make changes or refund their bookings without fees. 'Across our global stations, ground handlers and partners moved quickly, supported by live coordination between our airport and airline operations control centres. 'A severe geopolitical escalation had forced the shutdown of our global hub, but our focus was to stay agile, adapt, and continue to deliver for our passengers. 'By Tuesday, June 24, Qatar Airways operated a total of 390 flights as we worked to rebuild our network and restore schedule integrity. 'All passengers from diverted flights — approximately 20,000 in total — were cleared within 24 hours. More than 11,000 resumed their journeys during the morning wave on June 24, with the remainder departing through the evening wave and morning bank on June 25. 'As of today, there are no passengers from diverted flights left stranded. Within just 18 hours, our scheduled operations had resumed. Wave by wave, the system began to stabilise. By the end of Tuesday, more than 58,000 passengers had departed Doha — moved not by chance, but by a coordinated effort from across the Qatar Airways Group to fulfil our responsibility during this unprecedented disruption. Today, June 25, our operation has stabilised even further, with 578 scheduled flights operating. 'This scale and speed of recovery reflects the depth of experience, planning, and commitment we're proud to uphold at Qatar Airways. 'To everyone who travelled with us during this difficult time — to those who waited patiently in long queues, to those who faced uncertainty, and to those who showed understanding in the face of a worrying and rapidly-evolving crisis — I thank you. 'We are deeply grateful for your patience and trust as we worked to take you to your destination as safely and smoothly as possible. 'My sincere appreciation goes to our teams across the airline, and to our partners around the world, for their immense efforts around the clock over the past few days. Faced with an extraordinary challenge, we came together to support our passengers, recover our network, and return our operations to normal. 'The professionalism and unity on display reflect the very best of what our airline group and our partners stand for. 'Millions place their trust in Qatar Airways to carry them across borders, continents, and time zones, — and that trust is not taken lightly. It is earned, through action, through responsibility, and a readiness to act when it matters most. 'Thank you for continuing to place that trust in us'. Also read: Boeing Wins Largest-ever Order From Qatar Airways: Trump
Daily Tribune
18-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Celebrates Eye Surgical Breakthrough
TDT | Manama A cutting-edge eye surgery has opened a new chapter in Bahrain's medical history, with the successful implantation of the country's first Preserflo MicroShunt, a device transforming the treatment of glaucoma. The milestone procedure was performed by Dr. Ahmed AlMeer, a Bahraini eye surgeon who recently returned from Canada after completing advanced training. Conducted at Dr. Haifa Eye Hospital, the surgery marks Bahrain's entry into a global shift towards safer and less invasive glaucoma treatments. Dr. AlMeer said he felt confident as he held the tiny Preserflo device in his hands, aware of the significance of the moment. 'I had already performed this surgery many times abroad, so I felt well-prepared. What I felt more than pressure was a deep sense of responsibility,' he said. Glaucoma, a chronic eye disease that can lead to irreversible blindness, is traditionally treated with trabeculectomy, a procedure that involves creating a larger drainage opening in the eye. This method often results in longer recovery times and increased risk of complications. The Preserflo MicroShunt, however, is a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) device just 8.5 mm in length. It creates a controlled outflow for fluid, reducing intraocular pressure with minimal disruption to the eye's anatomy. According to Dr. AlMeer, this translates to quicker healing, fewer complications, and better comfort for patients.
Qatar Tribune
10-06-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QC participates in 113th International Labour Conference in Geneva
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Chamber took part in the 113th session of the International Labour Conference, which commenced on June 2 in Geneva, Switzerland, and will continue until June 13. Representing the chamber at the global gathering was a high-level delegation led by EngNasser Ahmed Al Meer, advisor to chairman of Chamber for Labour Affairs. Other members of the delegation included Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, director of the Legal Affairs Department, Hamad Al Marri, director of Committees and Business Councils Affairs, Al-Anoud Al Mohannadi, director of membership affairs and Mohammad Al Mohannadi, director of Director General's Office. In his address at the conference, Nasser Al Meer reaffirmed Qatar's unwavering commitment to upholding workers' rights, describing it as both a legal obligation and a humanitarian responsibility. He highlighted that Qatar, guided by the principles of Qatar National Vision 2030, has implemented substantial reforms in collaboration with employers, workers, and the government to improve labour conditions and ensure a fair, safe, and inclusive work environment. These measures, he noted, have positioned Qatar as a regional model for progressive labour policies and practices. Al Meer underscored that Qatar's reforms have gone beyond legislation, encompassing innovative initiatives and programs that support entrepreneurship and the development of the private sector. 'Our goal is not only to safeguard rights but to empower people and cultivate a thriving economic ecosystem,' he said. He further stressed the importance of global collaboration, noting that exchanging experiences and knowledge with international partners is essential for building sustainable development pathways. On the sidelines of the conference, the chamber's delegation engaged in discussions with international counterparts and representatives of labour organisations to share Qatar's experiences and explore potential areas of cooperation. The delegation also expressed Qatar's readiness to participate in joint initiatives that reinforce decent work standards globally. Eng. Al Meer also welcomed the decision by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to grant Palestine the status of 'observer state,' a move that he said reflects the spirit of fairness and inclusivity. He lauded the efforts of the ILO's Director-General in facilitating this achievement, calling it a landmark moment in the organization's history. Additionally, he acknowledged the consistent support and follow-up by the Director-General of the Arab Labour Organization in championing the rights of Palestinian workers and strengthening Arab representation on the global stage. Qatar Chamber's participation in the conference affirms its active role in international labour discourse and reiterates its support for initiatives that enhance worker welfare, boost economic inclusion, and encourage international cooperation in line with Qatar's development goals. In addition to its official engagements, the Qatar Chamber delegation attended several side events and panel discussions focused on the future of work, digital transformation, gender equality, and sustainable employment. These sessions provided valuable insights into global labour trends and offered a platform for Qatar to showcase its achievements in modernising labour laws, enhancing occupational safety, and promoting diversity in the workplace. The delegation also explored emerging challenges such as artificial intelligence in the workforce and the need for continuous upskilling and reskilling of workers. The chamber reiterated its dedication to maintaining strong relations with international labour institutions and pledged to continue its efforts in aligning Qatar's labour market with international standards. It emphasised that a resilient labour ecosystem is critical for economic diversification and long-term prosperity. Through its ongoing reforms and strategic partnerships, Qatar Chamber aims to contribute meaningfully to regional and global discussions on labour rights, sustainable development, and inclusive economic growth.
