Kenyan Embassy in Qatar Confirms Flights to Kenya Still Suspended as Airspace Remains Closed

The Kenyan embassy in Qatar has moved to respond to questions raised by Kenyans in Qatar, including when the flights back to Kenya would resume, following the tensions witnessed recently in the Middle East.

In an advisory released on Saturday, March 7, the embassy noted that light operations are currently suspended due to the closure of Qatar airspace, but would resume the airspace immediately if it is reopened for use.

“Flights operations remain temporarily  suspended due to the closure of airspace in line with the directives of Qatar Aviation Authority,” the embassy stated.

The embassy, however, assured Kenyans that their counterparts in Qatar were all safe, but moved to issue guidance on how well they can respond to emergency alerts amid the tensions, urging them to remain alert and adhere to safety precautions if emergency warnings are issued.

According to the embassy, anyone who receives an emergency alert should immediately move to a safe location inside a building and stay away from windows and glass surfaces.

The embassy has also asked Kenyan citizens in Qatar to register their details through an online platform to help officials maintain contact with the diaspora community.

The alert followed an acknowledgement by the embassy that Kenyans in the diaspora might have numerous questions regarding the situation in Qatar.

“We understand that many members of the kenyan diaspora in qatar may have questions regarding the current situation,” the embassy stated, encouraging citizens to contact the embassy directly through its communication channels.

Days earlier, the Kenyan government confirmed that, since the conflict in the region began, no casualties or injuries involving Kenyan nationals had been reported, with most citizens continuing their daily activities, including work and studies, depending on the prevailing security situation.

The government, however, stated that even as repatriation of Kenyans trapped in the Middle East intensifies, those wishing to return home should make appropriate arrangements through commercial airlines or licensed travel agents, where travel conditions remain safe.

While flights to and from Qatar remain suspended, there is a looming hope for Kenyans who intend to return home after Qatar Airways signalled the reopening of the airspace with limited flights.

The airline in its latest post indicated that it intends to operate flights on March 8 to Hamad International Airport, covering flights from  London Heathrow, Paris, Madrid, Rome, Frankfurt, and Bangkok, and possibly African countries, including Kenya.