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Qatar Airways continues to increase its capacity between Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by gradually expanding frequencies between Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Dubai International Airport (DXB) from two to five daily services, starting 5 June 2026.The additional frequencies will be introduced in phases to meet growing demand and provide greater flexibility for passengers travelling between the two cities. The existing two daily flights will be increased to three daily flights effective today, followed by the introduction of the fourth flight from 15 June, and a fifth daily flight resumed during the summer season. The flights will be operated on Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft. This expansion reinforces Qatar Airways' commitment to enhancing connectivity within the region and supporting both business and leisure travel between Qatar and the United Arab Emirates with up to 35 weekly flights. Qatar Airways has been steadily restoring its network across the Middle East and is currently operating to over 20 destinations in the region. Providing passengers convenient and seamless connectivity, the airline resumed operations to Dubai (DXB) and Sharjah (SHJ) in April, and restarted flights to Abu Dhabi (AUH) in May. Building on this momentum, Qatar Airways is continuing the phased restoration and expansion of its global network to over 160 destinations by this summer.

Nigeria is organising emergency repatriation flights for citizens living in South Africa, as the foreign ministry Monday warned Pretoria it wasn't doing enough to tamp down on anti-immigrant threats and harassment.South Africa -- the continent's most industrialised nation -- has seen repeated waves of xenophobic and anti-migrant protests over the years, including renewed violence in recent weeks that has targeted mostly people of African origin.The country's top diplomat in Abuja was summoned by the Nigerian foreign ministry on Monday, following a similar move by Ghana last month, "for discussions on documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses"."We've seen cases whereby Nigerians have been threatened," foreign ministry spokesman Kimiebi Ebienfa told reporters after the meeting.The South African government has denounced the attacks, though Ebienfa said that "if those that are carrying out the attacks are not punished, are not questioned, are not stopped -- indirectly you're allowing them to do whatever they are doing."So far, some 130 Nigerians have indicated they want to return home, Ebienfa said, in a group that includes both legal residents of South Africa who "felt the country is not safe for them" as well as undocumented immigrants."This figure is expected to rise," Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said in a statement Sunday, adding that "Nigerian lives and businesses in SA must not continue to be put at risk."Odumegwu-Ojukwu also said at least two Nigerians -- Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel and Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew -- died in two separate incidents involving South African security personnel last month.Ebienfa called for "impartial" investigations into their deaths.- Elections approaching -South Africa's Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said he and Odumegwu-Ojukwu agreed in talks on Monday to deepen cooperation."We reflected on the challenges posed by irregular migration and committed to working to address the root causes, find common and sustainable solutions to this shared concern," he said in a statement.The Nigerian foreign minister alleged that a "repetitive wave" of a "xenophobic pattern" flares up "especially prior to elections in South Africa, and anti-foreigner opposition parties leverage this situation to garner votes".South Africa holds municipal elections on November 4.The country's acting police minister last week condemned anti-immigrant violence, saying attacks on foreign nationals were "unlawful" and violated the constitutional values of dignity and equality."Acts of xenophobia, violence, looting or intimidation will not be tolerated under any circumstances," Firoz Cachalia said.According to the statistics agency, some three million foreigners, or 5.1 percent of the population, live in the country.More than 63 percent come from countries in the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC) bloc. 

In a rapid and carefully coordinated operation, the Doha Equestrian Tour successfully transported 147 competition horses from Doha to Europe via two emergency flights, ensuring the safe return of all animals and teams amid regional tensions. The flights departed for Liege, Belgium, carrying 74 horses on the first flight and 73 on the second, along with accompanying personnel. The entire relocation from approvals to departure was completed in just 36 hours, following intensive coordination between the Tour’s organizing committee, national authorities and operational partners. With commercial flights temporarily suspended from Hamad International Airport, the Tour also implemented additional logistics solutions to support trainers and crew members unable to board the emergency flights. Ground transportation was arranged from Doha to Riyadh and Oman, allowing teams to travel onward and reunite with their horses in Europe. The complex transfer required extensive veterinary clearances, international transport documentation and operational coordination with key partners including Qatar Airways Cargo and multiple government authorities. Organisers emphasised that horse welfare and participant safety remained the top priority throughout the process. According to Tour Director Mohammed Jaber al-Khayarin, transporting horses is inherently complex, but the situation demanded exceptional teamwork and swift coordination across multiple entities. Thanks to pre-established risk management protocols and emergency procedures, the operation was executed smoothly despite the extraordinary circumstances. “We extend our sincere gratitude to all official partners and relevant authorities who contributed to the successful and safe transport of the horses,” said al-Khayarin. “We particularly acknowledge the significant efforts of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) of the Ministry of Interior, the Amiri Guard, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Civil Aviation Authority, Qatar Airways, our official airline partner, Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana, our official mobility partner, and the Qatar Olympic Committee.” While most international horses have now returned to Europe, some riders, trainers and horses remain at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, where local and GCC participants continue preparations to complete the season’s competitions. 

More than 120 flights expected to leave Dubai International on Wednesday, New Zealand government saysAirline shares stabilise after significant lossesSkies over swathes of Middle East still emptyWorst crisis for global travel industry since COVID-19 pandemicQantas brings Brits back from Australia Dozens ​of repatriation flights were due to depart from ‌the Middle East Wednesday as governments rushed to bring home tens of thousands of citizens stranded by ‌the intensifying U.S. and Israeli conflict ⁠with Iran.Commercial air traffic remained ‌largely absent across much of the region, with major Gulf ‌hubs - including Dubai, the world's busiest airport for international passengers - largely shut for a fifth straight day, in the biggest travel disruption since the ⁠Covid-19 pandemic.The first repatriation flights for Britain and France were due to leave later, while the United Arab Emirates opened safe air corridors to allow some citizens to return home. Under normal circumstances, thousands of commercial flights would depart the region each day.Some marooned tourists and expatriates have also tried to make their own way out."We're doing this cautiously," said French Finance Minister Roland Lescure. The French government said several repatriation flights were planned for its citizens, around 400,000 of whom are in the region.Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Wednesday he had authorized the use of military aircraft to support the evacuation of Polish citizens from ​the Middle East.Britain's Foreign Office said a charter flight would leave Oman later in the evening, with priority given to vulnerable British nationals.Emirates, the world's largest international carrier, said routes to and from Dubai remained suspended until March 7, adding that it was operating a limited schedule from Dubai International and Al Maktoum ‌International.The Czech Republic has organised three government ⁠evacuation flights from Oman, Jordan and ​Egypt, bringing home 175 people, with more operations planned. Airline Smartwings is also operating return flights from Oman and ​Dubai, according to the CTK news agency and a government official.Slovakia said it had evacuated 127 people - mostly Slovak citizens, along with four Czechs and one Kazakh national - on two flights from Jordan that landed on Tuesday, and was preparing additional missions.New Zealand said a total of 121 repatriation flights were expected to depart Dubai International Airport on Wednesday.Qantas, meanwhile, was running extra flights to bring British people stuck in Australia back home, but would have to route them via a refuelling stop in Singapore as an alternative to the normal Middle East hubs.With airspace severely constrained, many airlines are carrying extra fuel or making additional refuelling stops to guard against sudden rerouting or longer flight paths through safer corridors.Air France said Wednesday it had extended its suspension of flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh until March 6, and had also prolonged the halt on services to Tel Aviv and Beirut ‌until March 8.Airline shares were less volatile Wednesday after double-digit percentage drops in the past few ⁠days, which wiped tens of billions of dollars from airlines' market value.Lufthansa was up 3% at 1306 GMT, while Qantas closed down 2.7%, having ⁠lost more than 10% of its value so far ⁠this week. BA-owner IAG was up 2%, having fallen more than 13% in the past three days.Airline executives have said that crew and pilots are now scattered across the world, complicating the process of resuming flights when airspace reopens. Soaring prices of oil will also add to carriers' costs.Analysts said flights will become more expensive if longer routes become the only options for international carriers.The Gulf is also a major hub for air cargo, putting further pressure on international trade routes following the disruption of Red Sea shipping routes. 

Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have announced the launch of codeshare flights to some 19 destinations, with more set to be added in the near future. Kenya Airways customers can book codeshare flights between Nairobi and Doha, as well as to 10 destinations connecting through Hamad International Airport.Similarly, Qatar Airways customers now have access to eight destinations in Kenya Airways’ network, connecting through three daily flights between Doha and Nairobi. Passengers will be able to travel on these codeshare flights from October 26. Flights will be available for sale starting tomorrow, October 21. Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, said: “We are pleased with the significant progress made in just a few months since the partnership initiated with Kenya Airways, and this enhancement is a testament of the collaborative efforts, which further strengthens our presence in Kenya and the African continent. “The recent addition of Qatar Airways’ third daily flight to Nairobi also serves as another cornerstone of this partnership that is driven by strong demand from passengers seeking reliable and seamless connectivity.”Kenya Airways Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Julius Thairu, said: "We are excited to embark on this new chapter of our partnership with Qatar Airways. This partnership will significantly enhance connectivity especially across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, expanding our flight offerings, and opening up a world of new destinations for our customers to explore. Together with Qatar Airways, we are dedicated to providing our customers with easy access to a variety of destinations, paired with better connectivity and a seamless travel experience."Today’s announcement enables Qatar Airways to continue expanding its footprint within the African continent, providing passengers from more than 170 destinations across the globe with easier access to key leisure and business destinations served by Kenya Airways, including Lilongwe, Livingstone, Juba, Nampula, Ndola, and Victoria Falls.Similarly, Kenya Airways passengers will now be able to connect to multiple destinations in 10 countries across Asia and the Middle East through Hamad International Airport. These destinations include Bahrain, Colombo, Islamabad, Karachi, Malé, Singapore, and Tokyo Narita.Additionally, Qatar Airways Privilege Club members will earn Avios on the codeshare flights operated by Kenya Airways. The two airlines will continue to collaborate on codeshares, airport operations, lounges, sustainability and procurement. Other future phases and areas of collaboration will include network development, cargo, aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul.Kenya Airways codeshares on Qatar Airways routesBahrain, Colombo (Sri Lanka), Doha, Dhaka (Bangladesh), Islamabad and Karachi (Pakistan), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Malé (Maldives), Muscat (Oman), Singapore, and Tokyo Narita (Japan).Qatar Airways codeshares on Kenya Airways routesAbidjan (Côte d'Ivoire), Accra (Ghana), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Lilongwe (Malawi), Livingstone (Zambia), Juba (South Sudan), Nampula (Mozambique), and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe).

A number of Palestinians were killed as a result of violent airstrikes launched by the Israeli occupation forces on multiple areas in Gaza City over the past two hours, coinciding with intense drone flights over the city. Palestinian news agency (WAFA) reported local sources as saying that drones targeted a group of people in Al-Jalaa Street in central Gaza City, resulting in the killing of dozens of Palestinians and wounding others. These airstrikes come despite US President Donald Trump's earlier call on Israel to immediately stop its bombardment of Gaza. The call followed Hamas' announcement of its acceptance of President Trump's proposal to end the war in the Strip and its willingness to release all hostages as part of the exchange formula included in the proposal. Medical sources at Al-Shifa Hospital said that emergency and civil defense crews recovered the bodies of five slain Palestinians from under the rubble of a house that was targeted last night in the western part of Gaza City.