Travellers in the UAE once again have more flight options as Qatar Airways resumes daily services to Dubai and Sharjah from April 23, 2026, marking a key step in restoring regional connectivity following weeks of disruption. The airline confirmed it has restarted daily flights between Doha and both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Sharjah International Airport (SHJ), with services to Damascus set to follow from May 1.
For UAE residents, the move brings back a major transit and long-haul travel link via Doha, improving connectivity to global destinations after weeks of disruption to regional air travel. The resumptions are part of a phased rebuild of the airline’s network, following its earlier announcement to expand operations to more than 150 destinations worldwide from mid-June, 2026.
Summary of Key Changes at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dubai (DXB) Flights | Daily service resumed April 23, 2026 |
| Sharjah (SHJ) Flights | Daily service resumed April 23, 2026 |
| Damascus (DAM) Flights | Daily service commencing May 1, 2026 |
| Booking Flexibility Period | Travel dates between February 28 and September 15, 2026 |
| Complimentary Date Changes | Permitted until October 31, 2026 (subject to availability and fare seasonality) |
| Refund Processing Time | Up to 28 working days for unused ticket value |
| Network Expansion | More than 150 destinations from June 16, 2026 |
Qatar Airways Dubai and Sharjah Flights: What Travellers Need to Know
The Doha-based carrier confirmed it will resume daily flights to Dubai (DXB) and Sharjah (SHJ) starting April 23, 2026. This schedule will remain in place until September 15, 2026, adding new routes and increasing frequencies to and from Doha. The move restores key travel links between Qatar and the UAE, supporting passenger demand and regional mobility following recent disruptions.
The airline’s mid-April announcement confirmed that from June 16, 2026, its flight schedule will expand to more than 150 destinations across six continents. Qatar Airways has been steadily rebuilding operations in recent weeks, growing from only three flights at the beginning of March to about 326.
Resumption Timeline: From Suspension to Restoration
Flights across the region were suspended or rerouted after the onset of the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which led to airspace closures on February 28, 2026. The conflict escalated, leading Iran to launch drone and missile attacks targeting US interests in the Gulf region.
As a safety measure, several countries, including Qatar, temporarily closed or restricted their airspace. This forced Qatar Airways to suspend most flights to and from Doha, disrupting travel across the region and affecting routes to destinations such as the UAE and Syria. The airline scaled back operations, parked part of its fleet, and ran only limited relief and repatriation flights while working closely with aviation authorities.
However, the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) has since reopened the country’s airspace to foreign airlines operating through Hamad International Airport, and international airlines resumed operations to Qatar. All flights will continue to pass through dedicated flight corridors to and from Doha’s airport, in accordance with QCAA.
Phased Network Recovery and Global Expansion
The reinstated services form part of a broader effort by Qatar Airways to gradually restore its global flight schedule. Flight activity across the Gulf – one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs – is slowly resuming following weeks of disruption.
Data from Flightradar24 shows that while operations fell sharply on March 1, the day after the war began, activity has steadily rebounded since. Across the Gulf, airlines are returning to more than 50% of pre-war capacity, according to Flightradar24 data. Some carriers, such as UAE-based Emirates, are reaching near 70% of pre-war levels.
Reconnecting to short-haul markets such as the UAE helps feed Qatar Airways’ long-haul network, which relies heavily on passengers transferring through Hamad International Airport. The airline expects to fly to more than 150 destinations across six continents from June 16, 2026.
Flexible Booking Policy for Affected Passengers
Qatar Airways has extended its flexible booking policy to accommodate passengers whose travel plans have been disrupted by the recent suspensions.
If you have a confirmed booking with a travel date between February 28 and September 15, 2026, you are eligible for the following:
- Complimentary date changes to a new travel date up to October 31, 2026, when rebooking on flights operated by Qatar Airways, subject to availability and fare seasonality.
- Additional fee-free changes until October 31, 2026, if your flight is impacted.
- Refund of the unused ticket value (note that refunds may take up to 28 working days to be processed).
For passengers holding tickets booked before the suspension: The airline also advised passengers who have tickets issued prior to operations being suspended to contact their travel agent, the Qatar Airways contact centre, or the nearest Qatar Airways office for rebooking or refund options.
Regional Context: Other Airlines Resuming Doha Services
Qatar’s airspace first reopened with limited capacity in early March 2026, running mainly repatriation and cargo flights, before increasing operations for commercial services. The country has recently reopened to foreign carriers, with airlines such as Flydubai, Air Arabia, and Oman Air set to reinstate Doha routes.
Abu Dhabi, Manama, and Kuwait City services will resume in June 2026. To the south, flights to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan, and Lebanon have also resumed, underscoring a broader normalization of regional air travel.
Meanwhile, the planned restart of flights to Damascus from May 1, 2026, expands the airline’s footprint in the Levant.
Practical Advice for Travellers
Check Your Booking Regularly
Passengers have been advised to check their booking details regularly and ensure contact information is up to date, as schedules may continue to change depending on operational and regional conditions.
Review the Latest Updates
Qatar Airways advises passengers to regularly check its official website or app, and ensure their contact details are correct and updated.
Use Official Channels for Booking Assistance
Passengers requiring booking assistance have been directed to visit the airline’s travel updates page on its official website.
Be Aware of Potential Schedule Changes
The airline cautioned that flight schedules remain subject to change due to regulatory, safety, or other external factors. Qatar Airways also warned that flight schedules remain subject to change or cancellation due to operational, regulatory, safety or other circumstances beyond its control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When did Qatar Airways resume flights to Dubai and Sharjah?
A: Qatar Airways resumed daily flights to Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) starting April 23, 2026.
Q: Will Qatar Airways also fly to Damascus?
A: Yes. The airline will restart daily flights to Damascus International Airport (DAM) from May 1, 2026.
Q: How can I rebook my flight or request a refund?
A: Passengers with confirmed bookings between February 28 and September 15, 2026, are eligible for complimentary date changes until October 31, 2026, or a refund of the unused ticket value. Refunds may take up to 28 working days to be processed.
Q: Are other airlines resuming flights to Doha?
A: Yes. Flydubai, Air Arabia, and Oman Air are set to reinstate Doha routes. Emirates has also increased its operations significantly.
Q: Will there be more destinations added?
A: Yes. From June 16, 2026, Qatar Airways plans to expand its flight schedule to more than 150 destinations across six continents.
Q: Are there any travel warnings?
A: The airline advises passengers to check the latest flight schedules and ensure their contact details are up to date via the airline’s website or mobile app, as services continue to be adjusted in line with operational and regulatory requirements.
What to Keep in Mind
Despite the resumption, flight schedules remain subject to change. Passengers have been advised to check their booking details regularly and ensure contact information is up to date, as schedules may continue to change depending on operational and regional conditions. The airline is also offering added flexibility to travellers affected by recent disruptions, including complimentary date changes and refund options.
For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the official Qatar Airways website or mobile app before travelling.
Disclaimer: Flight schedules and policies are subject to change. This information is based on announcements as of April 2026 and is for educational purposes only. Always verify current flight status and booking policies through official Qatar Airways channels before travelling.
