DOHA, Qatar — Qatar Airways has announced a strategic resumption of a limited flight schedule starting 18 March 2026, as the airline navigates the ongoing closure of Qatari airspace. While the majority of scheduled commercial operations remain officially suspended, the carrier has secured temporary authorization for “limited operating corridors” to reconnect key global hubs.
A Phased Return to the Skies
Between 18 March and 28 March, the airline plans to operate a revised network covering over 80 destinations across five continents. This move is designed to assist passengers who have been stranded since the initial suspension of flights in late February.
Key destinations now open for booking include:
- Europe: London Heathrow, Paris (CDG), Amsterdam, and Frankfurt.
- Asia & Pacific: Bangkok, Manila, Mumbai, Delhi, and Perth.
- The Americas: New York (JFK), Washington D.C., and Toronto.
- Middle East & Africa: Riyadh, Jeddah, Muscat, Nairobi, and Johannesburg.
Fleet Strategy: A330s Depart for Storage
Parallel to the operational update, aviation tracking data indicates a significant shift in Qatar Airways’ fleet management. Four Airbus A330 aircraft are reportedly being flown to Teruel, Spain—Europe’s largest industrial airport specializing in aircraft storage and maintenance.
The move to Teruel is a clear signal that the airline is streamlining its fleet to adapt to a reduced long-term schedule. By placing older or less efficient widebody aircraft into “deep storage,” Qatar Airways is prioritizing its more modern, fuel-efficient fleet, such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner, for the limited routes currently in operation.
Flexible Booking Policies
To accommodate travelers affected by the volatility, Qatar Airways has extended its flexible travel policy. Passengers with bookings between 28 February and 28 March 2026 are eligible for:
- Two complimentary date changes for travel up to 30 April 2026.
- Full refunds of the unused ticket value.
The airline stated it will resume full-scale operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority deems the regional airspace safe for unrestricted commercial travel.
