Thousands of passengers are stranded at Qatar’s airport due to increasing tension in the Middle East and closure of airspace. An Indian traveler named Varun Krishnan, who was traveling from Chennai to Barcelona, traveled through the desert to Riyadh after getting stuck in Doha. This route has now emerged as the safest option for those who want to get out of Qatar as the air services there are currently in crisis.
Why did the road route become a compulsion to get out of Qatar?
Flights of Qatar Airways and other airlines have been badly affected due to the closure of airspace in Iran and Iraq. After increasing crowd at Doha’s Hamad International Airport and cancellation of flights, passengers have turned to Saudi Arabia. Riyadh airport currently remains a stable hub for international flights. Passengers are reaching Riyadh using the road route between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, from where they are getting relief flights to return to their country.
Airlines rules and embassy’s new advisory
The Indian Embassy has launched an official portal for short-term travelers stranded in Qatar, on which registration is mandatory. Airlines have also made changes in the rules of refund and re-booking to provide relief to passengers.
Facility/Area Current Status and Rules Iran and Iraq airspace completely closed (till March 11) Saudi and Oman airspace open for limited flights Qatar Airways Refund Full refund to be given within 7 days Relief flight hubs operating from Muscat and Riyadh Air India Re-booking No additional fees to be charged Self-registration required on Indian Embassy portal
Due to this ongoing crisis in the Middle East, about 1800 flights have been canceled in the first week of March alone. This has had a direct impact on big transit hubs like Dubai and Doha. Experts say that until the airfields reopen, the desert route to Riyadh will remain the safest way for foreign citizens to go out.