A few days ago the Gulf blockade came to an end, meaning Qatar is restoring diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Bahrain.
On the aviation front, this means that Qatar Airways can once again use airspace of these countries (decreasing flight time of many routes significantly), and it also means that Qatar Airways can once again resume flights to Gulf blockade countries.
Qatar Airways started using Saudi Arabia’s airspace a couple of days ago, and now the airline has announced plans to resume flights to three destinations in Saudi Arabia.
Qatar Airways’ Saudi Arabia flight details
Within the next week, Qatar Airways will resume flights to three destinations in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia used to be one of Qatar Airways’ biggest markets, so this is huge for the airline in terms of being able to restore global connectivity.
Qatar Airways offers a top notch business class product
Specifically, Qatar Airways will resume flights from Doha to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam:
- As of Monday, January 11, 2021, Qatar Airways will offer once daily flights between Doha and Riyadh using 777-300ERs; this flight covers a distance of 308 miles
- As of Thursday, January 14, 2021, Qatar Airways will offer 4x weekly flights between Doha and Jeddah using 777-300ERs; this flight covers a distance of 828 miles
- As of Saturday, January 16, 2021, Qatar Airways will offer daily flights between Doha and Dammam using 777-300ERs; this flight covers a distance of 140 miles
Qatar Airways’ initial Saudi Arabian destinations
Pre-blockade Qatar Airways served up to 10 destinations in Saudi Arabia, so I’d expect the list of destinations and frequencies to grow from here.
What about other Gulf blockade destinations?
Qatar Airways is resuming flights to Saudi Arabia shortly, but what about flights to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt? While nothing formal has been announced yet, I’d expect those flights to be resumed in the near future as well.
Saudi Arabia was ahead of the other countries when it comes to reestablishing relations and opening airspace, so I would expect that within the coming days we’ll see similar announcements for the other three countries. One thing this shows us is that Qatar Airways is eager to restart these flights ASAP (I’d imagine cargo is a big motivator here as well).
Qatar Airways had opened a fantastic new lounge in Dubai just shortly before the blockade started, and then it disappeared into thin air…
The Qatar Airways Lounge Dubai that “disappeared”
The Qatar Airways Lounge Dubai that “disappeared”
Bottom line
It’s exciting to see the end of the Gulf blockade. Not only are we seeing airspace restrictions lifted, but we’re seeing Qatar Airways resuming service to Saudi Arabia within days. I’d expect flights to other countries involved in the blockade to be resumed within days as well.
This is fantastic news, as this gives passengers more access to one of the best airlines in the world, as Qatar Airways is also a great way to get to Egypt, the UAE, etc.
Are you surprised to see Qatar Airways resuming these flights so quickly?
Membership is free and takes no more information than commenting as a guest. Earn status points for good contributions, and see fewer ads as your status grows.