Middle East Airspace Diversions/Cancellations

[AuSammy]

Interesting read

https://loyaltylobby.com/2026/03/18/thailands-air-traffic-authority-aerothai-says-1000-flights-were-cancelled-due-to-gulf-crisis/

 

[elanshin]

Another escalation, Qatar's largest LNG plant in Ras Laffan has come under attack from Iran and suffered "extensive" damage. This is a significant amount of Qatar's income being targeted.

If Qatar retaliates, we probably won't see DOH with any amount of safety for the rest of the war.

 

[jrfsp]

Another escalation, Qatar's largest LNG plant in Ras Laffan has come under attack from Iran and suffered "extensivel" damage. This is a significant amount of Qatar's income being targeted.

If Qatar retaliates, we probably won't see DOH with any amount of safety for the rest of the war.

Let’s not forget that was in response to Israel attacking Irans South Pars gas field….

Oil and gas price continues to rise. ….countries around the world talking of fuel rationing…this is going to get ugly very soon unless there’s a change of course …

 

[RooFlyer]

Why don't they lease it to someone else such as Cathay Pacific?

Or Qantas! I’d love to see that!

 

[IrishPete]

View attachment 500792
This is NOT a good sign for everyone with upcoming QR trips (such as me)

There's a Qatar plane sitting at Canberra Airport. I presume it's been there since the start (I was in Ireland, so I don't know!).

 

[jase05]

There's a Qatar plane sitting at Canberra Airport. I presume it's been there since the start (I was in Ireland, so I don't know!).

The one at ADL that’s been here for about 3 weeks finally went home yesterday

 

[IrishPete]

The one at ADL that’s been here for about 3 weeks finally went home yesterday

With passengers on board, or just repositioning?

I'd have thought it would be safer outside Doha!

 

[jase05]

With passengers on board, or just repositioning?

I'd have thought it would be safer outside Doha!

No passengers.
Back home in DOH for now

 

[elanshin]

No passengers.
Back home in DOH for now

I imagine crew also need to headback at some point.

 

[exLXCXFF]

Looks like Teruel is expecting more QR aircrafts later today for storage on top of the already ferried aircrafts from Doha to Teruel yesterday .

This is not looking good...

 

[Rembrandt]

Looks like Teruel is expecting more QR aircrafts later today for storage on top of the already ferried aircrafts from Doha to Teruel yesterday .

This is not looking good...

QR...what can I say, looks like they're preparing to close down operations yet won't allow fee free cancellations into April or May like other ME3 airlines are doing. FFS give your customers the flexibility. And don't get my started on VA just ditching customers that have booked QR flights though them.

 

[clifford]

QR...what can I say, looks like they're preparing to close down operations yet won't allow fee free cancellations into April or May like other ME3 airlines are doing. FFS give your customers the flexibility. And don't get my started on VA just ditching customers that have booked QR flights though them.

Yes indeed. Thankfully I have now received a full cash refund for my cancelled Etihad flights next week. It turned out to be a quick and seamless process in the end.

 

[IrishPete]

QR...what can I say, looks like they're preparing to close down operations yet won't allow fee free cancellations into April or May like other ME3 airlines are doing. FFS give your customers the flexibility. And don't get my started on VA just ditching customers that have booked QR flights though them.

I hung around on the Virgin Velocity online chat this afternoon and they refunded my points, with the $ charges to follow. It took a bit of waiting, but I got there in the end.

 

[chitown_boy]

Not sure how serious these talks are, but an interesting stop-gap proposition: Sri Lanka Proposes "Ghost Airport" As Emirates & Qatar Airways Hub

 

[Seat0B]

QR...what can I say, looks like they're preparing to close down operations yet won't allow fee free cancellations into April or May like other ME3 airlines are doing. FFS give your customers the flexibility. And don't get my started on VA just ditching customers that have booked QR flights though them.

My credit card and I feel your pain @Rembrandt!

 

[jbman]

Virgin update today. Refund/change dates pushed out to end of April now

For guests booked on Virgin Australia’s Doha services up to and including 30 April 2026 who no longer wish to travel, we are offering free booking changes to the same destination up to 31 May 2026, or a travel credit or refund.

 

[Ansett Nostalgic]

Not sure how serious these talks are, but an interesting stop-gap proposition: Sri Lanka Proposes "Ghost Airport" As Emirates & Qatar Airways Hub

Actually an excellent idea. Gulf Air have already done something similar with the move to Dammam.

Mauritius is also in a good location for the Gulf Carriers in terms of the Kangaroo Route.

 

[dajop]

Actually an excellent idea. Gulf Air have already done something similar with the move to Dammam.

Not without its challenges including infrastructure to support increased volume of traffic - such as accommodation to house crew, ground crew (presumably they could be shipped in from DXB, DOH & AUH, probably a proportion of them are Sri Lankan workers anyway ), catering arrangements, etc. .

 

[OZDUCK]

I would think refuelling would also be a big problem. Sri Lanka has already introduced as 4 day week for public employees and a fuel quota system due to fuel shortages.

 

[VPS]

Here's the advt from 1979 about saving our petrol