Politics in the Middle East are flaring up, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates cutting their diplomatic links with the state of Qatar.
Doha from the air – and from later today – a bit more difficult to get to – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
The state of play is pretty complex. Here’s a list of airlines flying to Doha which are affected, and have new waivers in effect
- Emirates – https://www.emirates.com/uk/english/about/operational_updates/operational_updates.aspx#/#4258319
- Etihad – http://www.etihad.com/en-gb/announcements/doha-flights-suspension/
- Flydubai – https://www.flydubai.com/en/contact/operational-updates
- Saudia – http://www.saudia.com/Header/About-Us/PressReleases-News/Press-Releases/Press-Release-05062017
- EgyptAir – https://twitter.com/EGYPTAIR/status/871732077733052416
- Gulf Air – https://www.gulfair.com/travel_alerts/gulf-air-suspends-flights-from-and-to-qatar
- Air Arabia – http://www.airarabia.com/en/travel-updates
Meanwhile, Qatar Airways based out of Doha International have suspended routes to the following countries.
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates (including Abu Dhabi and Dubai)
- Bahrain
- Egypt
In addition, countries have taken action to flights that require the transit of their airspace. Egyptian air space is closed to any departure/arrival from Doha, whilst Saudi air space have banned all Qatari planes from landing, stopping or crossing Saudi airspace (as well as the UAE).
There are additional diplomatic moves as well, with Qatari citizens given two weeks to leave Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Citizens of these countries have been banned from travelling to Qatar.
As well as air links, sea and land borders are to be fully enforced, with borders closed everywhere.
It seems the diplomatic withdrawal and a fair-up of differences has caused major issues for the local powers.
This has caught a lot of people off-guard, and if you’re travelling by air – you’re going to be planning a lot of re-routes. Check your re-booking options with your airline – there are re-route waivers in effect on the links above. Ben at One Mile at a Time has advice on redemptions too.
Suffice to say, if you’re planning to connect to Dubai via Doha or Doha via Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you may need to make new plans.
Further reading:
- BBC News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-40164552
- The National: http://www.thenational.ae/world/middle-east/uae-and-saudi-arabia-cut-ties-with-qatar-and-shut-air-land-and-sea-access
- Al Jajazeera http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/06/qatar-diplomatic-crisis-latest-updates-170605105550769.html
- The Guardian – https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jun/05/saudi-arabia-and-bahrain-break-diplomatic-ties-with-qatar-over-terrorism
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