Latest Updates: Is Hamad Still Operating Flights?

All of your burning questions about current Doha flights, available airlines, and flight cancellations answered.

Hamad travel QA

All of your burning questions about current Doha flights, available airlines, and flight cancellations answered.

With Eid Al Adha 2026 just around the corner, you may be wondering whether it’s the right time to leave Qatar. Even though Qatari airspace is gradually reopening and Qatar Airways is relaunching its global network, many questions remain, especially amid frequent flight cancellations and uncertainty. Here’s all you need to know about Doha travel in 2026 — airlines operating from Doha, current flights, and popular destinations. 

Is Doha still operating flights?

Yes, the Hamad International Airport (HIA) is open, so it’s possible to fly to and from Doha. However, the operations are still restricted, meaning you won’t be able to visit all the destinations that were previously available. Thankfully, more and more airlines are returning to their regular schedules from HIA. 

Is the Hamad Airport open in 2026?

The Hamad Airport is open and operational. The airport reopened in a limited capacity on March 6, with Qatar Airways resuming flights from March 15. Since then, the schedule has steadily expanded, with multiple airlines, including flydubai, Oman Air, Air Arabia, Gulf Air, Ethiopian Airlines, and others, resuming operations from Hamad Airport. 

For real-time updates, check out the Alerts section of the airport's website.

Are flights from Doha to other Middle East countries cancelled?

At the moment, many flights from Doha to the Middle East have been reinstated, including those to Dubai and Sharjah, along with double-daily flights to Abu Dhabi. In the past couple of days, Qatar Airways resumed flights to Damascus, Bahrain, Kuwait City, and several cities in Iraq as well. 

What airlines fly from Doha now?

According to HIA’s social media, dozens of foreign carriers have resumed flights from Doha. Aside from Qatar Airways, the following airlines are operating from Doha as of late April: flydubai, AirArabia, Oman Air, US-Bangla Airlines, Tarco Aviation, Royal Jordanian, Biman Bangladesh, Nepal Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Badr Airlines, Syrian Air, Himalaya Airlines, and Egypt Air. 

Throughout May, Gulf Air, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kam Air are continuing flights, with Royal Air Maroc joining in July.

When will Qatar Airways resume flights?

Qatar Airways has officially resumed flights on March 15. The airline has been reinstating more flights for several weeks now, with the largest addition planned for June 16, 2026. Passengers are advised to follow the airline’s website for the latest updates.

How far in advance does Qatar Airways release flights?

Qatar Airways releases seats around 360 days before departure — one of the longest booking windows among airlines. That being said, given the rolling schedule revisions in 2026, bookings beyond mid-September are best treated as provisional. The latest published schedule is valid until 15 September 2026, according to the airline. 

What happens if my Qatar Airways flight gets cancelled?

Qatar Airways has put a generous waiver in place. Passengers with confirmed bookings for travelling between February 28 and September 15, 2026, are eligible for complimentary date changes to a new travel date up to October 31, 2026. This is, of course, subject to availability and fare seasonality. 

Alternatively, they can apply for a refund of the unused ticket. Refunds take up to 28 working days to process. All updates on cancellations and refunds are available on the Qatar Airways Alerts page.

Are there any Qatar visa policy updates due to the current situation?

The Ministry of Interior announced in early March 2026 that all entry visas expiring during the crisis would receive automatic one-month extensions, free of charge and without paperwork. Visa-free entry for more than 100 eligible nationalities remains in place. 

However, Pakistani nationals were temporarily removed from the visa-on-arrival list as of April 2026 and must now apply in advance through official channels. When in doubt, enter your information on the Hayya platform to check your visa options.

Where can I go during Eid?

If you’re looking to leave the country, the UAE is probably the easiest option during Eid since there are multiple cities to fly to, and you can also take a road trip. However, at this moment, leaving the country is not the best option, especially if you’re going by air. So, it’s recommended you opt for a staycation instead.

Luckily, Qatar has great places to visit, especially in Doha. And, if you’re looking for a break from the city, you can plan a short trip to Al Khor, Sealine Beach, or even go exploring the Dahl Al Misfir Cave. Moreover, in case you want a more active holiday break, try some popular walking routes in Doha

Note: Due to the current situation, flight schedules and entry requirements are subject to change. Passengers are advised to follow the Hamad Airport’s website and other official channels for the latest updates. 

Amir Al Marri QIC Reads author
Article by Amir Al Marri