Qatar Airways Relocates Planes to Spain Amidst Gulf Conflict Fears

Qatar Airways has temporarily grounded a significant portion of its fleet, relocating approximately 20 aircraft to Spain in response to escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf following a joint military operation by the United States and Israel against Iran on March 1st, 2026.

The airline confirmed the repositioning of aircraft, stating it was a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of its assets amid the disruption to regional air traffic. “In view of the current situation in the region and the subsequent disruption to flight operations, Qatar Airways has positioned some of its aircraft at selected airports outside of Qatar,” the airline said in a statement. Currently, Qatar Airways is operating less than 25% of its usual flight schedule.

Data from Flightradar24 shows that five of the twenty relocated aircraft – including Airbus A380, A350, and Boeing 787 models – arrived at Teruel Airport in Spain on Sunday. Alejandro Ibrahim, the director of Teruel Airport, noted an increase in aircraft being flown to the facility for storage. “We are seeing more and more customers arriving with their aircraft,” Ibrahim said last week. “Airlines are reducing the number of their aircraft, revising their routes and trying to retain their aircraft in safer places, such as Europe.”

Teruel Airport has develop into a prominent location for aircraft storage and maintenance, having housed around 140 planes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its dry, salt-free climate is considered ideal for protecting aircraft from corrosion. The airport has a capacity for 250 wide-body and up to 400 narrow-body aircraft.

The airspace over Qatar remains affected by the situation, with Qatar Airways suspending operations until the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) deems it safe to resume flights. The QCAA, established to oversee and regulate all civil aviation services in Qatar, is responsible for managing air navigation systems and airport projects within the country. It similarly played a role in the founding of Qatar Airways.

The disruption extends beyond Qatar Airways. Qatar’s airspace has been closed, temporarily suspending operations for Qatar Airways. A further update is expected from the airline on March 4th at 7:00 Central European Time.