Qatar extends free hotel stays for stranded passengers as 8,000 remain unable to depart

QATAR – Qatar Tourism has extended its emergency accommodation support for stranded passengers for an additional week, allowing eligible visitors to stay in licensed hotels with full board through March 13, 2026.

The second-phase extension, announced in an official circular issued March 7, continues covering hotel rooms and three daily meals for travelers whose departures remain impossible due to ongoing regional airspace closures that have left an estimated 8,000 people unable to leave the country.

Who Qualifies for Continued Support

The extension applies to two groups of stranded travelers.

First, visitors who were covered under the initial accommodation order and still cannot depart due to travel circumstances.

Second, passengers whose confirmed hotel bookings expire between March 7 and March 13, and whose scheduled departures fell within the same period.

Eligible visitors receive accommodation extensions in their same room type, plus three meals daily, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, at no cost.

Government Takes Full Financial Responsibility

Qatar Tourism’s circular makes clear that the government will cover all additional costs incurred during the extension period.

Hotels across Doha have been instructed to implement the provisions immediately, ensuring stranded passengers face no financial burden for their unexpected stay.

The directive emphasizes that “the safety, security and wellbeing of all visitors remain among our highest priorities.”

Limited Flights Begin as Airspace Remains Closed

While accommodation support continues, Qatar Airways has received temporary authorization from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority to operate limited flights through restricted corridors.

The airline announced a controlled schedule from March 9-11, with departures to cities including London, Seoul, Moscow, New Delhi, Madrid, Nairobi, Istanbul, Cairo, Jeddah, Manila, Mumbai, Frankfurt, and Milan.

However, the airline stressed these do not represent a full resumption of normal commercial operations, only targeted relief for stranded passengers.

Inbound flights to Doha are also operating, prioritizing travelers for whom Qatar is their final destination.

Strict Airport Rules Remain in Effect

Hamad International Airport continues operating under strict protocols. Only passengers holding confirmed tickets for the specific limited flights may enter the airport terminal.

Travelers are urged not to arrive without tickets, as this could create overcrowding and security risks.

Qatar Airways advised passengers to check their booking status regularly through official channels and not travel to the airport unless holding confirmed tickets.

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