Foreign Airlines to Gradually Resume Flights at Hamad International Airport as Qatar Restores Air Travel

International airlines are set to slowly restart operations in Qatar as the country begins restoring normal aviation services following recent regional tensions. The move marks an important step toward reconnecting Qatar with global air travel networks.

According to the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, foreign carriers will resume flights to and from Hamad International Airport in phases. Authorities confirmed that this decision comes after a detailed safety and operational review carried out in coordination with national agencies.

Officials emphasized that all flight operations will strictly follow international safety and security standards, ensuring the protection of passengers, crew members, and aviation infrastructure.

Gradual Recovery After Temporary Airspace Disruptions

Earlier this year, Qatar had restricted its airspace due to rising geopolitical tensions in the region. During that period, only limited aviation activity was allowed, mainly focused on emergency evacuations, repatriation flights, and cargo transport.

During the restricted phase, Qatar Airways operated special “relief corridor” flights to maintain essential connectivity. These included routes from Doha to major European cities such as London, Paris, Madrid, Rome, and Frankfurt.

Passenger travel during that time was tightly controlled, with flights primarily allocated to individuals affected by the disruptions.

Qatar Airways Expands Global Network for Summer

As stability returns, Qatar Airways has announced plans to significantly expand its international operations for the summer season.

Starting June 16, the airline will operate flights to more than 150 destinations worldwide, with the expanded schedule running until mid-September. The aim is to boost global connectivity and accommodate increased travel demand.

The updated network includes:

• Europe: 44 destinations including Vienna, Milan, Copenhagen, and Warsaw
• Africa: 25 destinations from cities like Abuja and Cape Town
• Middle East: 24 destinations across the region
• Asia: 46 destinations
• Americas: 14 destinations
• Oceania: 6 destinations

This expansion reflects Qatar’s commitment to re-establishing its position as a major global aviation hub.

Strong Growth at Hamad International Airport

Hamad International Airport continues to be one of the busiest and most advanced airports in the world. In 2025 alone, the airport handled nearly 283,000 aircraft movements and welcomed over 54 million passengers.

August 2025 was recorded as the busiest month in the airport’s history, with more than five million travelers passing through its terminals.

Outlook for Qatar’s Aviation Sector

The phased return of international airlines, combined with the expansion plans of Qatar Airways, signals a strong recovery for Qatar’s aviation industry.

As regional conditions stabilize, the country is focusing on rebuilding passenger confidence, increasing flight capacity, and strengthening its role as a global transit hub.