Qatar is welcoming the return of foreign airlines to Doha after the country’s Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) opened the skies to overseas carriers.
On April 20, 2026, the QCAA issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) allowing for the “gradual resumption of operations for foreign airlines” in Qatar via Hamad International Airport (DOH).
When the war between the US/Israel and Iran broke out on February 28, 2026, the following day the QCAA announced the temporary suspension of air traffic in Qatari airspace.
In early March 2026, the country’s flag carrier Qatar Airways was permitted to operate a limited schedule with dedicated flight corridors established in close co-ordination with the QCAA.
With a ceasefire agreed between the US and Iran to stop fighting, confidence in the Gulf region is slowly starting to return.
عودة تشغيل شركات الطيران الأجنبية إلى دولة قطر#الدوحة #قطر #الطيران_المدني
Resumption of Foreign Airlines’ Operations to Qatar#doha #qatar #aviation pic.twitter.com/7e6rsWzsMO
— الطيران المدني (@CAAQATAR) April 20, 2026
Qatar was one of several countries in the region targeted by Iran with a series of strikes over many days due to its close relationship with the US.
The QCAA said that its decision to allow foreign airlines to return follows a “comprehensive assessment of the situation, conducted in coordination with all relevant national entities, to ensure the highest levels of readiness and operational efficiency”.
“It affirmed that all flights and related operations will be carried out in accordance with the highest internationally recognized safety and security standards, with all necessary measures and precautions in place to safeguard passengers and aviation personnel. The Authority emphasized that the safety and security of all remain its top priority,” added the QCAA statement.
On April 1, 2026, Qatar Airways published its latest revised schedule, reflecting the gradual increase in flights to, and from, Doha.
The carrier plans to operate to more than 120 destinations by mid-May 2026 across the airline’s global network.
In March 2026, Qatar Airways repositioned multiple aircraft to Teruel Airport (TEV) as it looked to reposition valuable assets away from the dangers of Iranian missiles and drones.
