DOH-CBR cancellation

[Grrr]

In October 2025 I was able to transfer a truckload of card points into Avios, after I saw availability for 4 (flex) J seats SYD-DOH-IST in September 2026, and ATH-DOH-CBR in October (2 separate bookings in order to get the seats).

Of course ... the outbound flight had been downsized from what I think was an A350 to a 777, which is fine, but yesterday Qatar cancelled the entire ATH-DOH-CBR booking. I presume they don't have enough demand to bother with the CBR route.

A long live chat ensued, where the agent said that there were no J seats to SYD/MEL/BNE/ADL in October at all - so no real ability to use my credit if I were to refund. From what I can see there are J seats to purchase with cash, but they clearly are not allowing me to transfer my Avios booking into those seats

He said that they may reinstate the CBR flights, and to check back in a few weeks to see if I could be put on eg a DOH-SYD flight, but it's totally unclear as to what will happen (understandably). More annoying from my view is that because my booking has been cancelled, it's totally random as to whether I would ever get 4 seats again even if they magically added the CBR route back in 2 weeks time. I don't appear to get any kind of priority on a new flight if it is added

What would everyone do in my place ? I could book an alternative airline for my return journey and hold the Avios for a future trip, but my concern is that at some random point in the next 2 months, Qatar will can my outgoing leg as well, which will be even messier...

 

[markis10]

Qatar announced on the weekend that CBR flights resume Dec 8

 

[hill]

Just got notification of a similar cancellation.

Had an epic trip booked on QSuite on 24/12 with Qatar Avios - CBR-DOH-GRU that's now been cancelled by Qatar. Anyone know what's going on?

 

[kelvedon]

If Qatar cancelled the ATH-DOH-CBR leg, even this far out, under EU 261 the airline is still required to offer you a choice between a full ticket refund or rerouting to your destination under comparable transport conditions.
Unfortunately the chairman’s lounge. champagne prevents a reciprocated law ex Australia.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

If Qatar cancelled the ATH-DOH-CBR leg, even this far out, under EU 261 the airline is still required to offer you a choice between a full ticket refund or rerouting to your destination under comparable transport conditions.
Unfortunately the chairman’s lounge. champagne prevents a reciprocated law ex Australia.

Agree.

The OP seems to have secured outbound flights to Europe.

And the return is covered by EU261.

QR seems to push back on rebooking, but as soon as you mention EU261 they are coming to the party.

Eu261 re-routing is NOT dependent on award seat availability, or operating carrier schedules. It’s up to QR to get the OP to CBR.

 

[Grrr]

Eu261 re-routing is NOT dependent on award seat availability, or operating carrier schedules. It’s up to QR to get the OP to

Thanks, Claude told me the same

I’m waiting on a response - they seem to be stonewalling at the moment.

Next step is apparently a complaint with the Greek civilian aviation authority.

My only concern there is that the whole process could take 8+ weeks, so I might be forced to buy some refundable economy class tickets as backup

From what I can see however, even ‘fully flexible’ fares incur a cancellation fee if sorts - so I’ll be out of pocket even if Qatar comes to the party and finds me seats in the end ?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks, Claude told me the same

I’m waiting on a response - they seem to be stonewalling at the moment.

Next step is apparently a complaint with the Greek civilian aviation authority.

My only concern there is that the whole process could take 8+ weeks, so I might be forced to buy some refundable economy class tickets as backup

From what I can see however, even ‘fully flexible’ fares incur a cancellation fee if sorts - so I’ll be out of pocket even if Qatar comes to the party and finds me seats in the end ?

Just follow it up with them.

There is no need to complicate this with complaints to the authorities or back-up seats on another airline, which could incur costs.

All available reports are confirming QR is rebooking passengers. No doubt with the flight some time away they may be prioritising travel that’s closer in for rebooking.

There is no harm following this up by chat however, which seems to be getting results. Just mention EU261 and ask for replacement flughts (likely QR services to SYD followed by them buying you a ticket to CBR, prolly on VA)

If they are dragging their feet tell the. you require return tickets ASAP for your travel insurance cover.

 

[Grrr]

All available reports are confirming QR is rebooking passengers. No doubt with the flight some time away they may be prioritising travel that’s closer in for rebooking.

There is no harm following this up by chat however, which seems to be getting results

Where have you heard about this ?

I had no joy with a long live chat session (only offered me a refund) when I first tried, but didn’t know about the EC rule at the time