Qatar Airways Resumes Flights After Airspace Closure Delays Joburg, Cape Town and Durban Passengers

Qatar Reopens Airspace After Missile Scare Disrupts Flights From SA

South African travellers heading to Doha faced major disruptions after Qatar closed its airspace on Sunday night due to escalating tensions in the region. The unexpected move left flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban grounded or rerouted — but Qatar Airways has since confirmed operations have resumed.

Regional Conflict Causes Sudden Shutdown

The closure followed a missile strike by Iran on a US military base within Qatar, prompting the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to temporarily suspend air traffic to “ensure the safety of its citizens, residents and visitors.” The move, while precautionary, caught many passengers off guard — including those en route from South Africa.

Three flights that had already departed from South Africa were forced to divert to Salalah International Airport in Oman before finally continuing to Hamad International Airport in Doha once the airspace reopened early Tuesday morning.

• QR1364 from Johannesburg landed in Doha at 02:41

• QR1370 from Cape Town touched down at 03:25

• QR1376 from Durban landed at 03:28

Meanwhile, QR1378, originally scheduled to depart Johannesburg at 20:25, was delayed by more than three hours and only arrived in Doha at 08:53 on Tuesday.

Qatar Airways: “We’re Doing Everything We Can”

In a statement released after the airspace reopened, Qatar Airways said it had resumed flights and was working closely with government authorities to restore operations. The airline has also deployed extra ground staff at Hamad International Airport and other key locations to assist affected passengers.

“Our focus at this time is to help our passengers return home or reach their onward journey safely and smoothly,” said the airline.

Despite the reopening, Qatar Airways warned that flight delays are likely to continue and urged passengers to monitor their flight status via the airline’s website or app before travelling.

Local Impact and Public Reaction

The delays caused ripples through social media, with frustrated South African passengers sharing real-time updates from terminals and layover stops. Some expressed gratitude for being safely diverted, while others criticised the lack of early communication and clarity.

With Qatar Airways being a major connector between South Africa and destinations across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, the ripple effect was felt beyond Doha. Travel agents in Johannesburg reported a spike in calls from concerned passengers trying to rebook missed connections or arrange temporary accommodation.

A Reminder of Regional Volatility

This incident also serves as a reminder of how swiftly geopolitical tension can impact global travel. Qatar, typically seen as a stable transit hub in the Middle East, rarely experiences full airspace closures. For many frequent flyers in and out of OR Tambo, Cape Town International and King Shaka, this was a stark and unexpected disruption.

As of Tuesday, all South African-originating flights to Doha are back on track — but passengers are advised to plan ahead, arrive early at airports, and stay informed as the region continues to navigate a fragile diplomatic environment.

Source:Travel News

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com