Qatar Airways CEO Engr. Badr Al-Meer Issues Open Letter After Unprecedented Airspace Shutdown

In what has been described as one of the most severe operational challenges in modern aviation history, Qatar Airways has successfully restored full global operations within 24 hours following an extraordinary geopolitical crisis that temporarily shut down Qatari airspace.

In an open letter addressed to passengers, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer detailed the scale and complexity of the disruption that began on the evening of Monday, June 23, when a sudden and unprecedented closure of Qatari airspace forced the airline to suspend all operations immediately. The closure was followed by similar restrictions in Bahrain, the UAE, and Kuwait, just as nearly 100 Qatar Airways aircraft were en route to or departing from Doha.

The situation escalated dramatically after a missile strike launched from Iran targeted Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, prompting the activation of air defense systems and decisive action by the Qatari Armed Forces to secure national airspace and protect all within the country. As missiles entered the skies above Qatar, Hamad International Airport, one of the world’s busiest transit hubs; came to a complete standstill, with over 90 flights and 20,000 passengers forced into emergency diversions.

Aircraft were redirected to airports across Saudi Arabia, Turkey, India, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, with others rerouted to European and Asian hubs such as London and Barcelona. Meanwhile, over 10,000 passengers already in transit at Hamad International Airport found themselves stranded amid the evolving crisis.

Flight crews timed out of legal duty limits. Aircraft, including A380s carrying over 450 passengers, were grounded out of position, some at airports with strict curfews. With over 151 flights disrupted, Qatar Airways activated its business continuity protocols to manage the crisis in real time.

“Our priority was clear: to care for our passengers and restore our network safely and efficiently,” said Engr. Al-Meer. Teams across the Qatar Airways Group, including ground operations, customer service, and flight planning, mobilized swiftly. Over 4,600 customerswere provided hotel accommodation using 3,200 rooms across Doha. More than 35,000 meals were distributed, along with comfort kits, water, and in-person assistance to vulnerable passengers.

The airline rebooked itineraries, including some involving partner carriers assisted travelers with expired visas, medical needs, and tight connections. Flight capacity to key destinations was increased, while customer service resources were scaled to handle global demand. A flexible travel policy was also introduced, allowing passengers to change or cancel bookings without penalty.

Just after midnight on June 24, Qatari airspace reopened, and Qatar Airways began methodically rebuilding its network. Within 18 hours, scheduled operations resumed. By the end of the day, more than 58,000 passengers had departed Doha, and by June 25, the airline was operating 578 scheduled flights, fully stabilizing its global schedule.

“All passengers from diverted flights were re-accommodated and resumed their journeys within 24 hours,” confirmed the CEO. “There are no passengers left stranded.”

The open letter emphasized the unwavering commitment of Qatar Airways’ staff, who worked around the clock in coordination with airport stakeholders, ground handlers, and government authorities to resolve the crisis with professionalism and unity.

“To those who waited in long queues, who faced uncertainty, and who showed patience and understanding - thank you,” wrote Al-Meer. “Trust is not given lightly. It is earned, through action and responsibility. We are proud to have stood up to this test.”

The letter concludes with a renewed pledge to passengers worldwide, reinforcing the airline’s dedication to safety, agility, and resilience in the face of unprecedented adversity.