Travel News

Several Countries Cut Ties & Air Routes with Qatar, Citing Terrorism Concerns

a city skyline with tall buildings and a body of water
Written by Charlie

Four countrieshave cut diplomatic ties with Qatar and land and sea ties are being cut as well. This diplomatic change is related to concerns of terrorism. If you have travel in this region, check for info on flights.

 

This is a big deal that will probably continue to develop and play out over the next few days but several nations have announced they are cutting diplomatic ties and even air/land routes with Qatar citing concerns about terrorism.

Several Countries Cut Ties with Qatar

In what is sure to have some far reaching implications, several countries announced they are cutting diplomatic ties with Qatar “pointing to Doha’s ties to terrorism and the need to maintain national security. Already this new fresh news has caused oil prices to jump and an already uncertain region to become more unsure, especially with a central US base in Qatar.

The countries that have cut ties with Qatar are Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Here is what we know so far:

  • Qatari diplomats are being removed from these countries, some given 48 hours to leave
  • Nationals of these countries are being told not to go to Qatar
  • Airspace, sea, and land points are going to be shut down with Qatar which could impact flights throughout the region for Qatar Airways since they routinely fly over airspace of these countries (especially Saudi Arabia)
  • Etihad, Emirates, Flydubai and Saudia have all suspended service to Doha (some service may continue through the day and will end in the morning)

 

I would not be surprised to see this stretch to other airlines in the area impacted by these countries also.

Flying with Qatar or other airlines in the area?

Of course, the aviation angle is only a small part of this whole developing situation but it is something that we look at so it will be something to watch. Qatar Airways is a major player in the area and is state-owned. It will remain to be seen what Qatar’s response to these diplomatic changes and whether other countries join in this diplomatic shift.

If you have travel booked in this region in the coming weeks, make sure you keep an eye on the news and check your airline’s website. I have travel booked with Qatar but not for a while so it is not an immediate concern for me but still something I will be watching.

Featured image: By Francisco Anzola (Doha skyline in the morning) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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About the author

Charlie

Charlie has been an avid traveler and runner for many years. He has run in marathons around the world for less than it would cost to travel to the next town - all as a result of collecting and using miles and points. Over the years, he has flown hundreds of thousands of miles and collected millions of miles and points.
Now he uses this experience and knowledge to help others through Running with Miles.

2 Comments

  • Oh dear, I am up shit creek without a paddle, all my flights , and I mean all are extensively with QR including flights in and out of DOH and in and out of Cairo 9 times and DXB only once luckily as well as Alexandria and Luxor, this is going to be fun dealing with QR on ground, they are amazing on-board but try to deal with anything admin or on-ground, positively woeful