Qatar partially reopens airspace as Iranian strikes continue to hit Gulf

"The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announced the limited opening on Friday evening, saying flights would operate through designated navigational contingency routes with limited operational capacity in coordination with the Qatari armed forces. The move marks a cautious first step towards restoring air links to one of the Gulf's most important aviation hubs but falls well short of a return to normality."

"Qatar Airways said it intends to operate repatriation flights on 07 March, departing Hamad International Airport to the following airports: London (LHR), Paris (CDG), Madrid (MAD), Rome (FCO), Frankfurt (FRA). It added that priority would be given to stranded passengers with families, elderly passengers, and those with urgent medical and compassionate travel needs."

"Qatar initially closed its airspace on February 28, citing precautionary measures taken in response to the latest developments in the region and a need to guarantee the highest levels of safety and security for all flights. The Gulf country has been repeatedly struck by Iranian missiles and drones throughout the now seven-day conflict, forcing the country to activate its air force and use interceptors to defend its territory."

Qatar's Civil Aviation Authority announced a limited reopening of airspace on Friday evening following Iranian missile and drone strikes that forced a complete closure on February 28. The partial reopening permits only evacuation flights and air cargo services through designated contingency routes with reduced operational capacity, coordinated with Qatari armed forces. Scheduled commercial flights remain suspended pending further official announcements. Qatar Airways announced repatriation flights beginning March 7 to major European hubs, prioritizing stranded passengers with families, elderly travelers, and those with medical or compassionate needs. The Gulf nation has faced repeated Iranian strikes throughout the seven-day conflict, requiring activation of air defense systems to protect its territory.

Read at www.aljazeera.com