DOHA, Qatar — Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) announcing the gradual resumption of foreign airline operations at Hamad International Airport, effective Monday, April 20, 2026, as the country moves to restore full aviation activity following weeks of disruption tied to the US-Israel-Iran conflict.
Okay News reports that the QCAA said the decision “follows a comprehensive assessment of the situation, conducted in coordination with all relevant national entities, to ensure the highest levels of readiness and operational efficiency.”
The Authority affirmed that “all flights and related operations will be carried out in accordance with the highest internationally recognized safety and security standards, with all necessary measures and precautions in place to safeguard passengers and aviation personnel.”
Qatar’s airspace was closed on March 1, 2026, after regional restrictions triggered by the conflict grounded operations across the Gulf.
The closure forced Qatar Airways to suspend scheduled flights and operate only limited point-to-point services for stranded passengers.
A two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, brokered by Pakistan on April 8, 2026, eased restrictions across the region and allowed a phased resumption of operations.
By April 16, 2026, Qatar Airways had rebuilt its schedule to approximately 139 daily departures serving more than 120 destinations, roughly 60 percent of its pre-conflict capacity. The airline has targeted 150 destinations from June 16, 2026, as the network continues to expand in phases through May and June.
The QCAA emphasised that “the safety and security of all remain its top priority” as foreign carriers begin returning to Hamad International Airport under the gradual resumption framework.
