Qatar Airways resumes flights to Arab cities amid gradual recovery

DOHA, Qatar (MNTV) — Qatar Airways has resumed flights to key Arab destinations as part of a phased recovery of its regional operations following disruptions caused by heightened tensions in the Middle East.

The airline announced the reinstatement of daily services to Dubai and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates starting April 23, with flights to Damascus in Syria scheduled to resume from May 1. 

The move marks a gradual normalization of air travel after weeks of disruption triggered by instability across the region, which forced airlines to suspend routes, ground aircraft, and reduce frequencies.

Officials said the restored services are part of a broader plan to rebuild the airline’s global network, with a target of reaching more than 150 destinations by mid-June as conditions stabilize.  

The resumption follows a phased reopening of Qatar’s airspace, allowing both national and foreign carriers to gradually restart operations at Hamad International Airport in Doha.

Despite the progress, the airline warned that flight schedules remain subject to change due to ongoing operational and security considerations, reflecting the fragile nature of the regional environment.

To accommodate uncertainty, Qatar Airways has introduced flexible booking policies, including free date changes and refunds for affected passengers.

Analysts note that the return of flights signals cautious optimism for the aviation sector, though recovery remains closely tied to geopolitical developments that previously disrupted connectivity across the Middle East.