Air links between Malaga and Doha have been temporarily suspended after Qatar Airways cancelled Monday’s flights due to the closure of airspace in the Gulf following US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
According to Europa Press, Malaga Airport was left in ‘technical paralysis’, with two scheduled flights but none operating.
Ticket sales to the region have also been suspended until at least Wednesday.
No flights in either direction
Qatar Airways operates three weekly year-round connections between Malaga and Doha. However, because inbound and outbound services use the same aircraft rotation, the suspension means there are currently no flights available in either direction.
Airport sources confirmed that Qatar Airways is the only airline maintaining regular Gulf connections from Malaga at this time of year. Other carriers typically operate only during the summer season.
Turkish Airlines continues to operate services via Turkey, but direct links between Malaga and the Gulf are effectively cut off.
Travellers stranded
The escalation in the region has left thousands of passengers stranded, including at least 50 residents from Malaga believed to be stuck in cities such as Abu Dhabi and Jerusalem.
Many are awaiting guidance from travel agencies or the Spanish embassy on how to return home.
Qatar Airways has stated it intends to resume Malaga services as soon as Gulf airspace reopens, though delays are expected once operations restart.
Nationwide disruption
Spain’s airport operator Aena reported that by midday Monday there were 32 scheduled flights across its network linked to the Middle East, including routes to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Israel, Jordan and Qatar.
Barcelona’s El Prat Airport has been the hardest hit, with 20 scheduled flights – 16 already cancelled and none operating.
Madrid-Barajas had 10 flights planned, with one cancelled and no departures operating at the time of reporting.
Spanish airports remain on limited operational footing as restrictions continue across key Gulf hubs including Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
