Airspace Reopens After Brief Closure Causes Disruptions
Qatar’s airspace closure on 23 June caused widespread flight delays and cancellations. The closure followed Iran’s missile strike on the US Al Udeid air base in Qatar. Although the restriction lasted only hours, operations at Doha Hamad International Airport were severely disrupted. The airport, handling about 140,000 passengers daily, reported backlogs that continued into the next day.
Major carriers including Qantas, Emirates, Virgin Australia, Etihad, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines were affected. Qatar Airways, operating over 170 routes via Doha, was among the hardest hit by the disruptions.
Figure 1: Qatar’s airspace when flights were disrupted
Qatar Airways Offers Flexible Refund Options
Qatar Airways confirmed efforts to restore its flight schedule following the 23 June disruption. The airline warned that disruptions could continue until 26 June. “Those who wish to change their travel dates may do so without paying a fee until July 15, 2025,” a Qatar Airways statement read. “Customers who no longer wish to travel can opt to receive a refund of the unused value of their tickets, without any cancellation fee being applied.”
Qatar Airways also suspended flights to Iran, Iraq and Syria in response to regional tensions. “Qatar Airways fully complies with international aviation regulations for safe aircraft routes. Passengers safety remains our highest priority,” the airline stated.
Figure 2: Qatar Airways warns of possible disruptions until June 26
Qantas Introduces Flexible Booking for Dubai Routes
Qantas announced added flexibility for bookings to, from or via Dubai on Emirates-operated services. “If you wish to change your booking or no longer wish to travel, we’re offering a fee-free refund, Flight Credit or fee-free date change for flights booked before June 23 for travel to June 27, 2025,” Qantas said. Passengers booked through Qantas are urged to contact the airline directly or reach out to their travel agent.
Qantas stated that services on 24 June operated as planned between Australia and Europe. However, the Perth–Paris flight returned to Perth, while the Perth–London flight diverted to Singapore. All 199 passengers and 14 crew were accommodated overnight in Singapore.
Figure 3: Qantas are offering a fee-free refund
Emirates Reroutes Flights and Issues Apology
Emirates said it rerouted multiple flights on 23 June to avoid conflict zones. “After a thorough and careful risk assessment, Emirates will continue to operate flights as scheduled, using flight paths well distanced from conflict areas,” the airline stated.
Emirates warned that longer routes may cause delays and congestion. The airline apologised to customers and confirmed it was assisting with rebooking and refunds. “Emirates will continue to actively monitor the situation, engage with relevant stakeholders, and adjust our operations in line with the latest updates,” the statement read.
Figure 4: Emirates reroutes flights and has offered to rebook and refund passengers
Virgin Australia Advises Passengers to Monitor Flights
Virgin Australia, which partners with Qatar Airways via a wet lease, confirmed resumed services on 25 June. “We encourage guests scheduled to travel on Virgin Australia services between Australia and Doha in the coming days to monitor their flight information closely,” Virgin stated.
Guests travelling through Doha until 30 June who no longer wish to travel can cancel or change bookings without fees. The airline’s flights on 23 June were affected — VA1 (Sydney–Doha) diverted to Bengaluru and VA15 (Brisbane–Doha) diverted to Muscat. Virgin Australia is contacting all impacted travellers directly.
Figure 5: Virgin Australia confirmed resumed services on 25 June
British Airways Suspends Doha Flights Temporarily
British Airways suspended all services between London Heathrow and Doha until 25 June. The airline cited passenger safety as its top priority. All flights departing London between 23 and 25 June, and their return legs, were cancelled.
Flights to Dubai continue to operate. British Airways offered free rebooking for customers flying to either Dubai or Doha until 29 June. New flights can be booked until 13 July. The airline said it is “continuing to keep the situation under review.”
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Singapore Airlines Cancels Dubai Services
Singapore Airlines cancelled eight flights to Dubai between 23 and 25 June. The airline is contacting affected customers. “Customers affected by the flight cancellations will be re-accommodated on alternative flights or can seek a full refund of the unused portion of their ticket,” the statement read.
SIA customers who booked directly can use the Assistance Request Form. Those who booked through agents must contact them for assistance. The airline said other services between Singapore and Dubai may still be affected as the situation develops.
Etihad Flights Operate with Restrictions
Etihad confirmed its flights are operating as scheduled except to Tel Aviv. It suspended all services between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv until 15 July. “Guests transiting through Abu Dhabi to connect to cancelled flights will not be accepted for travel from their point of origin,” Etihad said.
The airline is assisting all impacted travellers with alternate arrangements. Etihad warned further disruptions may occur with little notice and said it is monitoring the situation closely.
ATIA Urges Travellers to Remain Patient
The Australian Travel Industry Association advised Australians not to cancel flights. “The one thing we learned through Covid is don’t cancel as it reduces the number of rights you have. Let the airline make that decision. This approach ensures your rights are protected and you get the support you need,” said ATIA CEO Dean Long.
Long emphasised the importance of patience, especially for those not travelling immediately. He said travellers should consult their airline or agent before acting. “It’s critical that you don’t make the decision to cancel without first speaking to your agent or airline,” he told news.com.au.
