Qatar has initiated a staged return to normal aviation activity at Hamad International Airport, allowing selected foreign airlines to resume operations after nearly two months of significant disruption linked to the US–Iran conflict.

The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) confirmed the decision on Monday, stating it followed a detailed review carried out with relevant national agencies. Authorities said all flights will operate under strict international safety and security standards, with precautionary measures in place for passengers and aviation staff.

The country closed its airspace on 28 February 2026 after the escalation of the US–Israel–Iran conflict, which led to a near-total suspension of commercial air traffic. In early March, limited airspace access was restored to support evacuation flights, repatriation efforts, and cargo services.

From 18 March, Qatar Airways resumed transit operations through Doha, ending a temporary halt on connecting passengers. The latest decision now extends approvals to foreign airlines for the first time since the shutdown, marking a key step toward wider recovery.

Only a limited number of carriers will return initially, and authorities have advised passengers to confirm schedules directly with airlines as systems adjust and rebooking delays continue to be cleared.

The disruption has had a major impact on one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs. In 2025, Hamad International Airport handled 282,975 aircraft movements and 54.3 million passengers, including a record monthly peak of over 5 million travellers in August. Restoring international carrier access is considered essential for returning traffic to previous levels and re-establishing Doha as a global transit hub linking Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Airport services are also recovering gradually, with retail outlets, dining facilities, and lounges reopening, though operations remain below full capacity.

Under normal conditions, more than 57 airlines operate from Hamad International Airport. While a recent ceasefire in the region has improved sentiment, authorities have not yet fully lifted restrictions on Qatari airspace. Aviation analysts expect a slow return to full capacity over the coming months, with complete normalisation potentially extending into mid or late 2026 depending on regional stability.

Qatar Airways has also introduced flexible travel policies for affected passengers. Travellers booked between 28 February and 15 June 2026 are eligible for up to two free date changes, with rebooked travel valid until 31 October 2026, or a full refund for unused tickets.

Source: ZAWYA

Saudi Arabia has inaugurated a second gateway for its Makkah Route Initiative in Morocco, marking a further step in efforts to simplify pilgrimage travel. The new facility was opened at Rabat-Salé International Airport in the initiative’s dedicated hall.

The launch ceremony was attended by Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Morocco, Dr Sami Al-Saleh, and Morocco’s Minister of Endowments, Ahmed Toufiq.

The Makkah Route Initiative is designed to enhance the travel experience for pilgrims from participating countries by handling key procedures before departure. According to Saudi Press Agency, the programme allows travellers to complete formalities in their home country, beginning with the electronic issuance of Hajj visas and the collection of biometric data.

Authorities then finalise entry procedures through the General Directorate of Passports, ensuring that pilgrims meet all health and regulatory requirements at the departure airport.

The initiative also covers the organisation of baggage, with luggage coded and sorted based on pilgrims’ transport and accommodation arrangements in Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival, pilgrims are transported directly by bus to their residences in Makkah and Madinah along designated routes, while partner agencies oversee the delivery of their belongings.

Source: ZAWYA

Emirates SkyCargo has introduced a new weekly freighter service to Toronto Pearson Airport, enhancing cargo connectivity between Canada and the United Arab Emirates while supporting expanding trade ties between the two markets.

The additional service is expected to provide Canadian exporters with increased access to international markets, reflecting a steady rise in bilateral trade. According to Emirates SkyCargo, exports from Canada to the UAE grew by 24% between 2023 and 2024, driven by improved air links and strengthening economic relations.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President at Emirates SkyCargo, described the launch as a key step in the airline’s broader network expansion strategy. He noted that the Toronto route aligns with evolving global trade corridors and adds 100 tonnes of weekly export capacity, supplementing existing cargo space available on passenger flights.

The service also enhances connectivity beyond the UAE. On inbound journeys, the freighter will stop in Amsterdam, facilitating trade between Canada and the European Union. This segment is expected to support the transportation of pharmaceuticals, perishable goods, and manufactured products into Canada.

Toronto Pearson officials welcomed the development, highlighting the airport’s role as Canada’s largest air cargo hub, handling roughly 45% of the country’s total cargo volume. Chief Commercial Officer Kurush Minocher said the new service strengthens the airport’s position as a key gateway for global trade and offers businesses more direct and reliable shipping options.

Emirates has been operating passenger flights to Toronto since 2007, playing a significant role in facilitating trade. Since 2023, the airline has transported more than 11,000 tonnes of export cargo from Canada, underlining its growing importance in the country’s logistics network.

Source: ZAWYA

The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority has taken action against four travel agencies, ordering their closure after they were found to be in violation of applicable regulations.

According to the authority, the decision reflects its continued efforts to reinforce regulatory oversight within the air transport industry and ensure strict adherence to national laws governing the sector.

The Air Transport Department, operating under the authority, said it is maintaining regular inspection campaigns targeting travel agencies and air cargo service providers. These checks are intended to verify compliance with established legal and operational standards.

Officials reiterated that the authority remains committed to strengthening monitoring procedures and improving enforcement measures across the industry.

The authority also urged all licensed entities to comply fully with relevant regulations and to avoid engaging in travel or air cargo operations without obtaining the required approvals from the competent department. It cited Article (3) of Law No. (3) of 2025, which governs licensing requirements and operational permissions in the sector.

Source: ZAWYA

Saudi citizens and nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have been allowed to continue performing Umrah rituals until the 15th of Dhul Qada, which falls on May 3, according to official guidelines. During this period, these pilgrims are not required to obtain a Hajj permit to enter Makkah.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had earlier designated the 1st of Dhul Qada, corresponding to April 19, as the final departure deadline for individuals who entered the Kingdom on Umrah visas. This measure aligns with the commencement of the Hajj season, when international pilgrims begin arriving in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

In the days leading up to the cut-off, there has been a noticeable surge in domestic Umrah activity. Large numbers of Saudi citizens have gathered at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, making use of the remaining time before Hajj preparations intensify.

The influx has also driven a sharp rise in hotel occupancy rates in areas surrounding the Grand Mosque. Accommodation facilities have reported particularly high demand over weekends, as visitors travel from various regions across the Kingdom to perform their rituals.

Source: Saudi Gazette

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, the capital’s first low-cost airline, has announced the introduction of a new direct route connecting Zayed International Airport with Amman City Airport (ADJ) in Jordan.

The service is scheduled to begin operations on May 1, 2026, and will run three times a week. The new connection is designed to offer passengers more affordable and convenient travel options between the UAE capital and Jordan’s capital region.

With this addition, Amman becomes the second destination in Jordan served by the carrier. The airline already operates flights to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, further strengthening its presence in the country.

Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, highlighted the significance of the expansion, stating that the new route reflects the airline’s continued focus on enhancing travel choices for customers traveling between the UAE and Jordan. He added that operating services to two airports in the Jordanian capital will help support stronger links in travel, tourism, and trade between the two nations.

Following the launch, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will operate daily flights to Queen Alia International Airport and three weekly services to Amman City Airport (also referred to in operational references as Amman Civil Airport), bringing its total weekly frequency on the route to ten flights. This expansion is expected to provide passengers with greater scheduling flexibility.

The new service also aligns with the wider Air Arabia Group network between the UAE and Jordan, where Amman is additionally served by non-stop flights from Sharjah International Airport.

Source: ZAWYA