June 2017 to January 2021Qatar and neighbouring statesGeopolitical, transport and trade routes
Diplomatic crisis and closed air, land and sea links
On 5 June 2017 Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt announced they were cutting ties with Qatar. Four states closed their airspace to Qatari aircraft, so Qatar Airways rerouted its flights over Iran, Turkey and Oman, and more than 70 flights were grounded across the region on Tuesday 6 June, according to Al Jazeera citing OAG data. Saudi Arabia reopened its airspace and its land and sea borders with Qatar from 4 January 2021, and the Al-Ula Declaration was signed on 5 January 2021.
What it means for continuityRoutes, borders and airspace that a business relies on every day can close at short notice, for reasons it does not control. Travel, freight, staff movement and customer access all benefit from alternatives that have been worked out before they are needed.
Sources: Al Jazeera, 7 June 2017 · Baker McKenzie, January 2021 · Government Communications Office of Qatar, timeline
Late 2023 to 2024Red Sea and Suez CanalShipping and supply routes
Red Sea attacks on vessels reroute global shipping
From late 2023, attacks on vessels in the Red Sea area reduced traffic through the Suez Canal, through which about 15 per cent of global maritime trade volume normally passes. IMF PortWatch estimates showed Suez Canal trade down 50 per cent year on year in the first two months of 2024. Several shipping companies diverted around the Cape of Good Hope, which added 10 days or more to delivery times on average.
What it means for continuityA single sea route can carry a large share of an organisation’s imports. When it is disrupted, lead times lengthen, stock runs down faster and companies with small inventories feel it first. Knowing which goods depend on which route, and holding a sensible buffer, shortens the response.
Source: IMF Blog, 7 March 2024
June 2025 and February 2026Qatar and wider Gulf airspaceAirspace closure and air travel
Airspace closures halt flights at Gulf hubs
On 23 June 2025 Qatar closed its airspace for around six hours after missiles were launched at bases in Qatar and Iraq, and Rotate data cited by Air Cargo News showed about 200 flights at Doha affected. On 28 February 2026, as a regional conflict escalated, at least eight states in the region declared their airspace closed, including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE, and Cirium data cited by Al Jazeera showed about 24 per cent of flights to the Middle East cancelled that day. The sources describe the position on those dates only.
What it means for continuityGulf hubs carry passengers, staff and air freight for many organisations. A sudden closure strands travellers, delays shipments and forces diversions. Continuity plans can cover staff who are away from base, time-critical deliveries, alternative routings and the ability to work remotely while travel is not possible.
Sources: Air Cargo News, 24 June 2025 · Al Jazeera, 28 February 2026
