Hamad International Airport (HIA) has published a detailed set of frequently asked questions to assist passengers as airlines progressively return and additional flights are introduced to Doha.

The guidance, updated on April 21, 2026, covers flight operations, airline schedules, airport services, baggage handling, and passenger support procedures.

Flight operations continue with gradual expansion

The airport confirmed that operations are ongoing, with additional flights being phased in while maintaining coordination with relevant authorities and airline partners. Officials noted that flight schedules may still be subject to change or cancellation due to factors beyond operational control.

A dedicated flight corridor, established in coordination with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, is being used. This limits capacity increases to staged adjustments to ensure stability in operations.

Airline resumption schedule

Qatar Airways and several partner carriers are currently operating services to and from Doha. The phased restart plan includes:

• 21 April 2026: flydubai
• 22 April 2026: Air Arabia
• 23 April 2026: Oman Air, Royal Jordanian, Tarco Aviation, US-Bangla Airlines
• 26 April 2026: Middle East Airlines
• 28 April 2026: Himalaya Airlines

Officials confirmed that the list will be updated as more airlines resume operations.

Passenger access and travel requirements

Only passengers holding valid and confirmed tickets are permitted entry into the terminal. Travellers are advised to check in online when possible, arrive at least three hours before departure, and use self-service kiosks and baggage drop facilities where available. Eligible passengers are encouraged to use e-gates.

Transport and airport services

HIA confirmed that pickup and drop-off services remain available, with passengers encouraged to use public transport or ride-hailing options to ease traffic flow.

Available transport options include Karwa taxis, Uber, and BadrGo. The Hamad International Airport Terminal 1 metro station is also operational, with passengers advised to verify train timings.

Parking facilities are open for both arrivals and departures, while valet parking services remain suspended.

Flight support and rebooking

Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines directly for the latest updates on schedules, rebooking options, refunds, and other travel arrangements. The airport stated that its contact centre does not handle flight rebookings.

Lost property services

HIA’s Lost Property team continues to assist passengers with items misplaced within airport premises only. Depending on location, passengers may contact the team via email at [email protected] or by phone at +974 4010 6666.

Those still at the airport can visit the Lost Property Office near the RED Restaurant on the ground level by Gate C38. Doha residents may also visit the office in the Arrivals area.

The airport noted that items are stored for a limited time depending on category, after which unclaimed belongings may be disposed of or donated. It also clarified that it does not accept liability for lost or left-behind items.

Baggage handling arrangements

For passengers remaining in Doha due to disrupted travel, checked baggage is being securely stored. Collection is available at the Baggage Delivery Office in the Arrivals Hall, or delivery can be arranged within Doha by contacting baggage services.

Passengers without baggage at their destination are advised to report the issue directly to their airline. Qatar Airways customers are required to submit a Mishandled Baggage Form through the airline’s baggage portal to manage retrieval options.

Source: ZAWYA

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind Saudi Arabia’s regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has completed the modernisation of AlWajh International Airport in the country’s northwest.

The airport has now resumed operations, with Saudia operating three weekly flights from Riyadh and two from Jeddah. International services are expected to begin in the near future.

The project represents the first infrastructure delivery completed by RSG under its broadened mandate beyond destination development, reflecting its expanding role in enhancing connectivity, public services, and wider economic growth.

RSG Group CEO John Pagano said the redevelopment goes beyond aviation infrastructure, describing it as a strategic gateway designed to improve mobility, stimulate economic activity, and create new opportunities for communities in the region. He added that residents of Tabuk now have access to an upgraded international-standard airport with improved links across Saudi Arabia and beyond.

The upgraded facility is now capable of accommodating a wide range of commercial aircraft, including Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families, as well as seaplanes. Its annual passenger capacity has increased to 500,000, up from 100,000 previously, with the ability to handle up to 330 passengers per hour across four gates during peak periods.

According to the company, the expansion is expected to support rising demand, strengthen tourism development, and contribute to job creation and broader economic activity across the Tabuk region.

Abdulaziz Al-Abdan, Executive Director of Aviation and Airport Operations at Red Sea Global, said the improvements significantly expand capacity for larger aircraft and higher passenger volumes. He added that discussions are already underway with airline partners and regulators to further develop future route networks in line with expected demand growth.

The airport is also set to function as a key entry point for AMAALA, the luxury wellness destination located about 45 minutes away by electric vehicle and roughly 20 minutes by seaplane.

Architectural design elements of the renovated terminal draw on the heritage of AlWajh’s historic town and the broader Tabuk coastline, aiming to reflect the region’s cultural identity.

Additional upgrades include enhanced passenger facilities such as premium lounges, cafés, a mini-market, automated banking services, car rental desks, and expanded parking. The terminal has also been equipped to support seaplane and helicopter operations as part of future transport links to AMAALA.

Source: ZAWYA

China added 80 new international air cargo routes during the first five months of 2026, according to data released by the Air Logistics Committee of the China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing (CFLP) as of May 31.

The expansion was largely focused on Europe and Asia. Of the newly established routes, 35 connect China with destinations across Europe, while 33 serve Asian markets. Ten routes were launched to North America, with one route each linking China to South America and Africa.

In May alone, 11 new international air cargo routes entered service, including seven connecting China with other Asian countries, three serving European destinations, and one linking to North America.

The new routes are primarily used to transport cross-border e-commerce shipments, advanced manufactured products, high-value goods, and fresh agricultural produce.

Industry experts say the continued growth of China's international air freight network is helping diversify transportation options and support export-driven industries. Peng Chun, Deputy Director of the Department of Logistics Management at Beijing Jiaotong University, noted that the expanded network helps reduce pressure on maritime and rail freight services while providing faster logistics solutions for high-value exports.

Peng added that the increase in international cargo routes also strengthens China's transportation resilience and contributes to greater supply chain security by enhancing independent logistics capabilities.

Source: CGTN

Bahrain International Airport has confirmed that the kingdom’s airspace remains open and that flight operations continue as normal, reaffirming Bahrain’s connectivity with destinations worldwide.

In a statement shared on X, the airport said its team remains focused on providing a smooth travel experience for passengers while maintaining regular flight services.

The update came after an Air India Express flight scheduled to operate from Kochi to Bahrain was cancelled on Thursday morning. The cancellation left 122 passengers stranded in Kochi.

Because the aircraft did not arrive in Bahrain, the return service from Bahrain to Kochi, scheduled to depart at 3pm, was also cancelled. The disruption affected an additional 178 passengers.

According to an airline official quoted by the Gulf Daily News (GDN), affected travelers were offered the choice of receiving a full refund or being rebooked on the next available flight.

Airport authorities have not reported any restrictions to Bahrain’s airspace, and flight operations continue across the kingdom’s aviation network.

Source: ZAWYA

Passengers at Brussels Airport will no longer need to remove liquids or electronic devices from their hand luggage during security checks, the airport announced on Friday as part of a major modernization of its security screening system.

The revamp at the Zaventem airport will take place over the next several years, with the first new scanners expected to be operational in 2028. By 2029, the entire departure security system will be replaced with cutting-edge technology, including CT scanners for hand luggage and advanced body scanners for passengers.

“The safety of our passengers and staff is always our top priority,” said Brussels Airport CEO Arnaud Feist. “With this new technology, we will not only maintain the highest safety standards but also make security screening faster and more convenient for travelers.”

Currently, passengers must remove laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices from their bags, and liquids are limited to one litre in containers no larger than 100 millilitres. The new CT scanners will allow these items to remain in hand luggage, and under European regulations, passengers will be allowed to carry up to two litres of liquids per bag.

A test of a new body scanner is scheduled for June, with the construction of an additional temporary screening platform planned in 2027 to accommodate the new technology. Once the first scanners are operational in 2028, phased upgrades of all 19 departure lanes will be completed by summer 2029. Transfer passenger lanes will be upgraded at a later stage.

Feist emphasized that the new scanners will also increase security screening capacity, preparing the airport for future growth in passenger numbers.

The initiative is part of Brussels Airport’s Hub 3.0 program, designed to enhance passenger experience and maintain the airport as a “convenient, comfortable, and future-proof European hub.” Similar CT scanner systems are already in operation at major European airports such as London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol, Dublin, Rome Fiumicino, and Frankfurt.

Kuwait International Airport has activated its emergency response plan after Terminal One was struck by missiles and drones reportedly launched from Iran, causing injuries and damage to airport facilities, officials confirmed.

Abdullah Al-Rajhi, spokesperson for the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA), said authorities immediately implemented established emergency protocols to protect passengers, staff, and airport infrastructure.

Air traffic has been suspended, and inbound and outbound flights have been diverted to nearby airports until further notice, Al-Rajhi added.

Technical teams are currently assessing the extent of the damage to facilities before repair operations begin. Security and contingency measures remain in place to ensure the safe resumption of airport operations.

The incident underscores ongoing regional tensions and highlights the importance of airport emergency preparedness in safeguarding travelers and aviation infrastructure.