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Qatar Airways - UAE, KSA, Bahrain and Egypt withdraw licenses and close airspace

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Old Jun 5, 2017, 6:48 am
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: plunet
Wiki last updated: 21 July 2017 18:00 UTC

Summary of key traveller experiences and feedback on this forum since Mid-June
  • Policy statement (link) for the travel industry issued 15th June 2017
  • Refund is always an option, but very varied experiences of how quickly the refund is processed, from a few days to "still waiting". Some experiences of passengers being pressurised into taking refunds when this is not necessary if you can wait.
  • If you want to reroute from a closed destination to another middle east destination still served by QR, you might be able to do this as early as 30 days from 1st sector, although we have had reports of rerouting at 6 weeks out.
  • Where QR have to reroute onto other carriers, long haul reroutes typically onto BA, CX and TK seem to be quoted most often. In the Gulf region ME, KU, WY are quoted most often. Although RJ is a OneWorld carrier and should be a parter for QR, they are not accepting QR rerouted tickets.
  • Status of reservations for travel to affected destinations typically changes to "Unconfirmed" 7 days ahead of travel.
  • If your booking was via a 3rd party or agent you probably can't get Qatar to change the ticket until 72 hours before the first sector. 3rd parties and agents seem to be offering refunds rather than rerouting, although there has been some success if you can show them the QR rebooking policy document.
  • There has been a very mixed bag of reports of how QR are handling rebooking. Some people have no luck getting itineraries changed before 72 hours before departure, but others do. So some good advice is to always be polite but if you don't get what you want, then thank the agent for their time and HUACA (hang up and call again) - preferably after you have had a drink and have calmed down, and maybe calling a different office.

Some specific data points from other travellers:
(but there is a lot more valuable information if you can trawl back through the thread)

#753 CAI-LHR-DOH been offered as alternative for ex-CAI 4 days prior to 1st sector.
#772 KUL-DOH-LXR reroute to CAI and IST refused
#792 AUH-DOH-DPS by QR rebooked to DXB-HKG-DPS by CX
#794 Australia-DOH-HBE rebooked as DOH-BEY on QR on 2nd attempt.
#808 CAI>DOH>BOS>DOH>CAI rebooked to KRT and date change
#818 SYD-DOH-CAI changed to SYD-DOH-KWI-CAI, layovers optimed and +Qatar stopover
#830 and #840 Economy ICN-DOH-DXB rebooked onto CX ICN-HKG-DXB
#849 ex-CAI ininaries changed to ex-AMM but needed to HUACA a few times.
#856 CAI-DOH-BKK changed to FCO-DOH-BKK all on QR
#868 DFW-DOH-HBE changed to DFW-DOH-LCA all on QR 2 weeks out.
#906 Unable to get LXR-DOH-HKG-BNE rerouted until 72 hours prior
#927 CAI-DOH-BKK rebooked onto CAI-BAH-AMM on Gulf DOH-BKK (on QR) and return back to AMM
#966 DXB-DOH (award ticket) was changed to DXB-KWI-DOH on Kuwait+QR 48hrs in advance
#966 DOH-CAI (2 award tickets) were changed to DOH-BEY on QR 48 hours advance
#966 CAI-DOH-MUC (paid business) were changed to BEY-DOH-MUC 72 hours advance
#981 HKT-DOH-DWC (J/F tix) change to HKT-DOH-KWI all on QR 10 days out.
#985 ex-LXR ticket rerouted by OTA as CAI-BEY-DOH outside the 72 hr window
#1004 BKK-DOH-CAI in F rebooked as BKK-DOH-BEY in QR F, BEY-CAI in C on ME
#1005 HEL-DOH-DXB rebooked HEL-DOH-MCT on QR and MCT-DXB on Oman once ticket status went to unconfirmed.
#1057 MAN-DOH-DXB rebooked as MAN-LHR-DXB on BA (had to HUACA 3 times)
#1141 Multiple ex-CAI itineraries CAI-DOK-BKK return in J, CAI-DOH-LHR return in J, CAI-DOH-BKK single in F changed to all be ex-KWI. Had to HUACA 3 times.
#1157 LXR-DOH-NRT booked in January, flight changed to CAI-DOH-NRT
#1172 Rebooked CAI-(F)-DOH(J)-BKK to CAI-(C/ME)-BEY-(F)-DOH-(C)-BKK at 77hrs from departure
#1173 Rebooked at QR office HBE-DOH-DPS to HBE-IST-DOH-DPS on TK/TK/QR and improved timing on DOS-DPS segment

Offical guidance from QR website as of mid July:

Passengers who have purchased their tickets from Qatar Airways have the following options to refund their tickets:

For tickets booked on qatarairways.com, they can:
  1. Go to Refund requests;
  2. They can approach their nearest Qatar Airways Office; or
  3. They can call the Qatar Airways contact Centre at +974 4022 0072
For tickets booked through a Qatar Airways Office or through the Contact Centre, passengers can
  1. Contact their nearest Qatar Airways Office; or
  2. Call Qatar Airways Contact Centre on +974 4022 0072
The refund will be made to the original form of payment and the refund will be processed within 14 - 28 days.
Passengers who have purchased their Qatar Airways tickets through a Travel Agency can request their refund from the issuing Travel Agent.
Within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kingdom of Bahrain and Egypt please use: https://refundsapp1.blueivysync.com/...er-refund.html

This is a different web form as the Qatar website is blocked from some of these countries.
For further information and FAQs please visit: http://support.qatarairways.com/hc/e...002369667-FAQs
What Happened

On the 6th of June flights from Qatar to Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (and vice versa) were suspended.

This includes all Qatar flights between Doha and Abu Dhabi, Abha, Alexandria–Borg el Arab, Bahrain, Buraydah, Cairo, Dammam, Dubai–Al Maktoum, Dubai–International, Gassim, Hofuf, Jeddah, Luxor, Madinah, Ras Al Khaimah, Riyadh, Sharjah, Tabuk, Ta'if and Yanbu.

Adding to this at 00:00 (UTC) on the 6th of June restrictions were put in place limiting flights to Doha to one particular corridor through the airspace of Bahrain. This has since been relaxed to two specific corridors through Bahrain airspace with a second corridor up the Saudi Arabia the new addition.

All other flights to other Qatar Airways destinations including the Maldives are still operating although some have delays due to the extended time required to avoid restricted airspace.

There are a couple of routes that are having to make fuel stops in Athens or Muscat but this seems to be dependent on the type of aircraft as well.

Details on the Airspace can be found here - https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/f...ain-and-egypt/

What about my Flights to other destinations?

Flights to Europe, Asia, Pacific and Norte America are operating as per schedule with minimal delays. There is no need to contact QR regarding these services.

Flights between Doha and Souto America are facing delays due to longer times and/or need for a technical stop-over. Flights to GRU and EZE are 2hr to 5hrs longer.

Flight between Doha and Africa/Middle East have longer flights times due to the airspace restrictions. Some routes like Doha to Khartoum have felt the full force of the restrictions with the flight now taking 2hr 30 mins longer than normal.

Qatar has begun to re-time flights to ensure the network continues running smoothly. Changes have been since Monday 12 June 2017, so it is advised to check your flight status and times on the Qatar website.


What about my flight to a suspended destination?

If you are due to fly in the next few days, search for alternative routings and note them down.

24 hours before your scheduled departure time, contact your LOCAL QR office, and ask for their assistance. Advise them that you have found an alternative routing which you would be willing to accept and see if they will book it for you.

If you are due to fly more than 5 days from today, try and relax. Do not panic and please do not call QR as you are blocking the lines for those flying in the next 24 hours. At this stage, Qatar is only offering options to those who are traveling in the next 24 hours.

Currently, people in the thread have suggested that Qatar is rebooking on flights through Muscat, Kuwait, Amman, Istanbul, Mumbai, Beirut, Athens and Tunis.

You can only get a refund if your booking is to one of the destinations listed at the top! (The number of people asking QR on Twitter for a refund of other flights is amazing)

What about other airlines?

Most other carriers in and out of Doha are still operating except for Air Arabia, Air Arabia Egypt, Air Cairo, EgyptAir, Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai, Rotana Jet and Saudia.

Most other carriers are using the new restricted routes into Doha although provided the aircraft is not registered in Qatar they are allowed to use the Saudi Arabia or Egypt Airspace.

Timeline of Events:


5 June 2017

- UAE, KSA, Bahrain and Egypt withdraw licenses and close airspace
- All MS flights between CAI and DOH was zeroed out
- All GF flights between BAH and DOH closed for sale
- All QR flights between DOH and CAI closed for sale
- All QR staff travel was canceled

6 June 2017

- Airspace Restriction came into effect at 00:00 (UTC)
- All QR flights between DOH and UAE/Bahrain/KSA closed for sale
- QR flights between DOH and MLE still bookable
- QR Charters 3 aircraft from Jeddah to Muscat

7 June 2017
- QR Charters an aircraft from Jeddah to Kuwait

8 June 2017
- Qatar Airways website blocked in the UAE
- Qatar Airways offices in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain close

11 June 2017
- Second flight corridor added along the Saudi Arabia Coast

13 June 2017
- UAE Relaxes rules allowing non Qatari registered aircraft to use their airspace to/from Qatar but they are still not allowing flights between the UAE and Qatar from any operators.
- Egypt Relaxes rules allowing non Qatari registered aircraft to use their airspace to/from Qatar. The new rules also allow for non Qatar or Egypt registered aircraft to operate flights between the two countries.

14 June 2017
- Agreement between QR and BA/A3 on reticketing passengers (link below)



Further information:
- QR Travel Alert http://support.qatarairways.com/hc/e...bile_site=true
- QR FAQs http://support.qatarairways.com/hc/e...002369667-FAQs
- QR Charter flights arranged from Jeddah KSA to Muscat Oman http://support.qatarairways.com/hc/e...Muscat-to-Doha
- QR agreement with BA & A3 to reticket their flights http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/qatar...r-help-qr.html
- Political background and latest updates: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-40155829
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Qatar Airways - UAE, KSA, Bahrain and Egypt withdraw licenses and close airspace

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Old Oct 31, 2017, 10:32 am
  #1486  
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
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Originally Posted by Dr. HFH
What was your routing? Was the carry-on limit applied in DOH or at your original departure?
FWIW ... This past week end I did DOH-MCT on a round trip. Only had a carry on, computer case, and handbag. Not weight-checked coming/going. I definitely was over the limit on my return, but could have easily checked in the bag if "caught". But it is acadrmic now ...
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Old Nov 1, 2017, 1:37 am
  #1487  
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Originally Posted by Dr. HFH
Thought that this video might be of interest to FTers in the QR forum. Link. Length is 13:15.
I wont comment on the content, as that is for the OMNI, but where is 'Cutter'? I've never heard of the place!

M
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Old Nov 1, 2017, 2:20 am
  #1488  
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Originally Posted by msm2000uk
I wont comment on the content, as that is for the OMNI, but where is 'Cutter'? I've never heard of the place!
Actually far from the first time that I've heard it pronounced that way.
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Old Nov 1, 2017, 2:21 am
  #1489  
Moderator: Qatar Airways
 
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Originally Posted by Dr. HFH
Actually far from the first time that I've heard it pronounced that way.
Yet he knows how to say the word 'Qatari' with ease.

M
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Old Nov 1, 2017, 2:55 am
  #1490  
 
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A friend of mine who lived there for a while insists on calling it Gatar
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Old Nov 1, 2017, 3:01 am
  #1491  
 
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Originally Posted by msm2000uk
I wont comment on the content, as that is for the OMNI, but where is 'Cutter'? I've never heard of the place!

M
And he said it so often I started doubting myself if I'd been saying it wrong my whole life..
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Old Nov 1, 2017, 9:05 am
  #1492  
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
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Originally Posted by msm2000uk
I wont comment on the content, as that is for the OMNI, but where is 'Cutter'? I've never heard of the place!

M
I've heard both by many different people, some place the pressure on the "t" in Qatar and some elongate the first or second "a" to some extent.

I haven't found that the way of pronouncing is tied to any specific native langugage by the speaker.

Personally I have always used the "Qa-taar" way, by elongating the second "a".

I found it more funny that the guy doing the interview spoke of "Do-haa" with an elongated "a" there.

-A
ph-ndr is online now  
Old Nov 3, 2017, 5:02 am
  #1493  
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 42
Anyone tried to sue QR to re-route at their cost

QR been giving me the run around. They promised a while a go to reoute at their cost and then a month ago when i decided to finialise the rest of my trip they told me they withdrawn the offer (without telling me)

they do offer to make me pay rerouting fee USD125, reissuance fee HKD80 and all new taxes which is a bugger for BA business flights as I HAVE A DONE3

the last sectors are as follows

BOM-xDOH-DXB

and they suggest BOM-xLHR-DXB - crazy but true, dont mind the transit in London but BA and LHR business taxes are eye watering

Thinking of buying another one way ticket from BOM on a one world carrier if possible and taking them to small claims tribunal.

do they have any defence to get out of this
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Old Nov 6, 2017, 10:11 am
  #1494  
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 192
I'm currently booked on HEL-CPH-DOH-DWC in 17 days time with qatar.

Clearly this is an impossible route with the embargo in place.

I booked through american express travel and neither qatar or Amex travel have contacted me about this by email, telephone or normal post mail.

Can I invoke EU261 with respect to this if it gets within 2 weeks of travel without notification?
I understand that qatar could reroute me but they'd need to ensure my departure was no more than 2 hours earlier then scheduled and arrival no more than 4 hours later. My connections total 7 hours 35 mins so I guess that is a possibility.

If I hold off until thursday until contacting amex can I force EU 261 if they either suggest a cancellation or routing which breaks the above rules?
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Old Nov 6, 2017, 10:28 am
  #1495  
 
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wonderman have you checked your reservation using Manage My Booking? QR appear to regard this as fulfilling EU261.
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Old Nov 6, 2017, 11:10 am
  #1496  
 
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When QR cancelled the segments on their system (which has happened some time back), it would have automatically triggered a message to Amex to contact you. That's as far as QR's responsibility goes, and since that was done more than 14 days in advance, you will not be entitled to EU261.

If Amex failed to act on the cancellation and did not contact you, that's an issue between you and Amex.
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Old Nov 7, 2017, 5:26 am
  #1497  
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
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Originally Posted by remdk
wonderman have you checked your reservation using Manage My Booking? QR appear to regard this as fulfilling EU261.
I have now, it's simply showing HEL-CPH. I bit the bullet and called Amex as I didn't really want the aggro with it and need to actually get to Dubai!

Turns out if I had just turned up to HEL I'd have been deposited into CPH and left stranded by the seem of things.

Qatar have told Amex that because the first flight is with finnair the only option is the refund the ticket.

On second thoughts I might actually leave this until thursday as the ticket is not cancelled yet and if they maintain that on Thursday and then cancel then they will be liable for EU261 as far as I can see.

Amex have confirmed with me that the booking has not currently been cancelled. Interesting little situation.

Maybe leaving it until under 2 weeks will get me enough leverage to get a HEL-LHR-DXB routing with BA, on reflection stargold you're right - qatar have cancelled the sectors in MMB, so I guess that's their responsibility dealt with. They've still got the money for the ticket though and on a multi sector trip where qatar ultimately took the booking from amex is this considered as cancelled if the PNR is still alive (albeit showing HEL-CPH)?

Last edited by wonderman; Nov 7, 2017 at 5:39 am
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Old Nov 7, 2017, 7:04 am
  #1498  
 
Join Date: Jul 2000
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If you actually need to get to DXB, then I would just make my own arrangements. If you have travel insurance, the flight cancellation protection might be triggered. But QR aren't going to do much for you, and they are certainly not going to put you on BA - that option ceased to be available a few months ago now.

In order to trigger EU261, the flight cancellation needs to have been within 14 days of departure. If they have already removed CPH-DOH-DWC from their system, there's nothing left for you to be claiming EU261 over. Whether the underlying ticket remains live or not is irrelevant if there is no space held on a PNR.

You said "Amex have confirmed with me that the booking has not currently been cancelled." I doubt the QR segments are still there, so do they just mean that HEL-CPH segment is still alive? In which case, see above.
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Old Nov 7, 2017, 11:08 am
  #1499  
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 192
Originally Posted by stargold
If you actually need to get to DXB, then I would just make my own arrangements. If you have travel insurance, the flight cancellation protection might be triggered. But QR aren't going to do much for you, and they are certainly not going to put you on BA - that option ceased to be available a few months ago now.

In order to trigger EU261, the flight cancellation needs to have been within 14 days of departure. If they have already removed CPH-DOH-DWC from their system, there's nothing left for you to be claiming EU261 over. Whether the underlying ticket remains live or not is irrelevant if there is no space held on a PNR.

You said "Amex have confirmed with me that the booking has not currently been cancelled." I doubt the QR segments are still there, so do they just mean that HEL-CPH segment is still alive? In which case, see above.
On reflection you're right. I will still contact Qatar directly to see if I can persuade them to do anything. Thanks for clarity.
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Old Nov 8, 2017, 3:20 am
  #1500  
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Got a Tweet from QR telling me that EY is discontinuing DFW service. Possibly a touch of gloating? Certainly an effort to pick up some of that traffic.
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