Qatar Airways has organised repatriation flights to Europe from Oman on 5th March as Doha operations remain suspended following closure of Qatari airspace amid regional hostilities, Aerotime reported Thursday.

Flag carrier confirmed relief flights scheduled from Muscat International Airport to London Heathrow, Berlin, Copenhagen, Madrid, Rome and Amsterdam. Seventh repatriation flight departed King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for Frankfurt, according to Ian Molyneaux's report.

Flightradar24 data showed flights to London Heathrow and Berlin already departed Riyadh. Flights to Copenhagen, Madrid and Rome were scheduled to take off within hours of announcement. Both aircraft flying to London and Berlin were diverted to Muscat on February 28 when United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran.

Qatar Airways stated operations will resume once Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces safe reopening of Qatari airspace by relevant authorities. Passengers were advised not to travel to Muscat or Riyadh unless they received official notification from Qatar Airways for these specific flights.

“We are working around the clock to organise additional relief flights where operationally possible and will share further updates as soon as they are confirmed”, Qatar Airways spokesperson told Aerotime.

Normal driving time from Doha to Muscat takes approximately 10 and a half hours. However, reports suggest crossing into Oman is extremely busy, potentially causing significant delays, Molyneaux reported.

Oman airspace has remained open during regional hostilities and has served as base for dozens of repatriation flights. Emirates also announced on March 5 that with limited reopening of UAE airspace, airline is operating reduced flight schedule until further notice. Emirates listed around 80 destinations between 5th and 6th March that customers can book.

Middle East and Gulf region have experienced turmoil since February 28 after US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered retaliation attacks against non-combatant countries in area. Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones against Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Oman and Qatar, report stated.

Source: Aerotime