While war rages on across the Middle East, Qatar Airways has sent 20 of its planes to an aircraft ‘holiday park’.
Located more than 3,000 miles from Qatar, Teruel Airport in eastern Spain is a state-owned hub that operates as Europe’s largest aircraft maintenance and storage hub.
Qatar Airways has parked several of its jets at the airport as a result of its reduced flying schedule.
It comes amid ongoing airspace restrictions, limiting the number of flights from Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar Airways’ hub.
In a statement to Doha News, the airline said: ‘Due to the current exceptional circumstances in the region and the resulting disruption to flight operations beyond our control, Qatar Airways has positioned some of its aircraft at selected airports outside Qatar.
‘This is a temporary measure, and the aircraft will be progressively returned to service as flight operations are restored to normal levels.’
According to data from Flightradar24, Teruel was already housing 15 jets, with five more joining on the weekend.
A post on X said: ‘The Flightradar24 Gulf airline recovery index, 21 March. Recent totals for Qatar Airways have been adjusted to remove flights into storage at Teruel.
While war rages on across the Middle East, Qatar Airways has sent 20 of its planes to an aircraft ‘holiday park’, Teruel Airport in eastern Spain
A Qatar Airways plane approaches to land at Teruel Airport due to the conflict
‘There are currently 15 Qatar aircraft at TEV with five more aircraft scheduled to move to storage Sunday.’
Teruel Airport has long operated as a facility for repairs and refitting.
It’s previously been dubbed ‘the airport where planes go on holiday’, and can hold dozens of aircraft from around the world at any time.
Around 140 planes were parked at the hub during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The facility’s location was chosen for its dry climate, and it is situated between the cities of Valencia and Madrid with Barcelona further north.
Alejandro Ibrahim, general manager of the terminal, told Reuters: ‘Companies are revising their fleets and routes and looking for safer places to park their planes, and Europe fits the bill.’
In Qatar Airways’ most recent update on its website, it revealed it was still operating a limited schedule as the conflict in the region wages on.
It said: ‘Qatar Airways operates limited flight schedule to and from Doha.
The facility’s location was chosen for its dry climate, and it is situated between the cities of Valencia and Madrid with Barcelona further north
‘We will shortly publish a revised, limited schedule from 29 March 2026, operating selected services, with potential for additional services to be added at short notice.
‘With Qatar Airways scheduled flight operations still temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace, we want you to know that we are doing our utmost to support your clients with their journey, and to reunite them with their family and loved ones.
‘We recognise this situation may be unsettling, and are working to keep your clients moving while we prepare for the safe return of our usual operations.
‘Your patience and understanding mean a great deal to us, and we are truly gratefulfor your continued support at this challenging time.
‘Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe full reopening of Qatari airspace by the relevant authorities.’
Share or comment on this article:
Inside the plane ‘holiday park’ where Qatar’s storing its jets amid war – and it’s miles from the Middle East
Source link
CHECK OUT: Top Travel Destinations
READ MORE: Travel News
