Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has officially resumed its Kathmandu-Doha-Kathmandu flights after a temporary suspension caused by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The flight operations, which were put on hold after Iran launched missile strikes on a U.S. military base in Qatar late Monday night, have now recommenced following the announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel.
Suspension of Flights Due to Middle East Tensions
The decision to suspend air operations came on the morning of June 23, when the Qatari government issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), declaring its airspace temporarily restricted due to the threat of regional conflict. The NOTAM served as a warning to all commercial airlines, instructing them to avoid the Qatari airspace until further notice for safety reasons.
In response, Nepal Airlines Corporation had to cancel its scheduled RA-239/240 flight between Kathmandu and Doha, causing disruptions to numerous passengers, particularly migrant workers, students, and business travelers who were relying on the flight.
Quick Resumption of Services After Ceasefire
The suspension, however, was short-lived. By Tuesday afternoon, diplomatic efforts had led to a mutual ceasefire declaration between Iran and Israel, significantly de-escalating the immediate security concerns in the region. Following this, Qatar promptly reopened its airspace, and Nepal Airlines resumed operations on the Kathmandu-Doha route.
According to NAC officials, the airline was able to resume its RA-239/240 flight at 1:35 p.m. on Tuesday, only a few hours after the NOTAM was lifted. Passengers who had originally booked for the cancelled flight were quickly accommodated on the resumed service or rebooked onto alternate upcoming flights.
“The Kathmandu–Doha service is critical for many Nepali citizens working and living in Qatar,” stated an NAC spokesperson. “We were monitoring the situation closely and resumed service as soon as the airspace was reopened. Passenger safety remains our top priority.”
NAC Issues Apology and Offers Compensation
Acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the sudden cancellation, Nepal Airlines Corporation issued an official apology to affected travelers. In a public statement, the airline expressed regret over the disruption and clarified that the suspension was necessary due to international air safety protocols and was beyond its control.
To compensate for the inconvenience, NAC announced that passengers booked on the cancelled RA-239/240 flight on June 23 would be eligible for either:
- A free date change on any upcoming NAC-operated flight on the same route, or
- A full refund of the ticket amount, depending on passenger preference.
Passengers were urged to contact the NAC ticketing offices or their respective travel agents to make the necessary changes.
High Importance of the Kathmandu-Doha Route
The Kathmandu-Doha route is one of Nepal Airlines’ most significant international operations. Qatar hosts a large population of Nepali migrant workers, and direct flights between the two countries are not only economically important but also serve as a vital link for families, employment opportunities, and trade.
Travel experts noted that disruptions to this route could have far-reaching effects on migrant remittances and family connections, especially with the large number of passengers depending on timely air travel between Nepal and Gulf nations.
“This route is a lifeline for many Nepalis,” said an international travel analyst. “Even short suspensions can cause significant backlogs and distress. It’s good that Nepal Airlines responded quickly to restore operations.”
Airlines Worldwide Impacted by Conflict Warning
The conflict threat between Iran and Israel had prompted a series of international responses, with many airlines rerouting or canceling flights that passed through airspaces over Qatar, Iraq, and other neighboring regions. Airlines from Asia and Europe were particularly impacted, and aviation regulators worldwide issued advisories cautioning against flying near conflict zones.
Nepal Airlines’ decision to ground its flights aligned with global aviation safety standards set by ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) and IATA (International Air Transport Association), which emphasize precaution in volatile regions.
Looking Ahead: Monitoring and Flexibility
As geopolitical situations remain fluid in the Middle East, NAC confirmed that it will continue to monitor updates from Qatar Civil Aviation Authority and international agencies. The airline has promised to maintain flexibility in its booking policies, ensuring passengers are not penalized for disruptions caused by conflict or airspace restrictions. “We will keep our passengers informed and updated on any changes,” added the NAC spokesperson. “Our focus is to offer safe, reliable, and responsive service at all times.”
Swift Action Ensures Passenger Confidence
The quick resumption of Nepal Airlines’ Kathmandu-Doha flight underscores the importance of agile decision-making and passenger-centric policies during unforeseen international events. As operations normalize, the airline’s prompt response and open communication have helped restore confidence among travelers affected by the recent disruption.
Nepal Airlines continues to play a crucial role in connecting Nepalis to key destinations across the globe, and its handling of the Doha suspension has been seen as a responsible and well-managed response to a complex international situation.
