The use of airspace is, of course, well-regulated and controlled. Most countries control their own airspace, offering permissions to operators to use it, and taking usage fees. Qatar has long been an exception to this norm. Most of the airspace has been controlled by Bahrain, but this is now changing with a phased return to Qatar between 2022 and 2024.
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Control by Bahrain and issues from 2017
The airspace over Doha has long been controlled by Bahrain. This has been with the exception of the Doha terminal area (OTTH). As a relatively small amount of airspace, and with close relations between the two countries, this made sense.
However, the political problems that began in 2017 changed this. During the Qatar diplomatic crisis, surrounding countries accused Qatar of supporting terrorism, and not meeting previous agreements made with the Gulf Cooperation Council. As a result of this, several countries cut diplomatic ties with Qatar. This lasted until early 2021.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt banned Qatar-registered planes using their airspace (and ships from their waters). This resulted in the suspension of local flights to and from Qatar, and expensive and lengthy diversions for long-haul flights.
The new airspace
Doha has expressed interest in its own airspace since 2018. This was, of course, motivated by the diplomatic situation and restricted airspace use. With the tensions at the time though, this could not proceed with strong objections from neighbouring countries.
Work began though once the diplomatic crisis ended in 2021.This was facilitated by a new ICAO agreement (through the Chicago Convention) that stipulated that any state has the “complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above its territory.”
This was finally formalised at the start of September 2022, with an agreement signed between Qatar and the neighbouring countries of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. The new airspace has been effective from 8th September 2022. This new airspace will include the Doha Flight Information Region (FIR) and Doha Search and Rescue Region (SRR).
Phased introduction
The existing OBBB/Bahrain FIR will be reduced by around half, and the new airspace will cover the area over the territory of Qatar and its immediate international waters area.
Full airspace control will be phased in between September 2022 and 2024. This is to meet the ICAO requirement that Qatar work effectively with Bahrain on the technical changes, and this is reviewed.
It will be introduced in the following phases:
- Phase 1 – from 8th September 2022. Doha will control the airspace directly over its territory, but not over nearby international waters. Vertically, the new airspace will extend to FL245. Above this, airspace will still be controlled by Bahrain.
- Phase 2 – from 23rd March 2023. Doha’s control will extend above FL245 over its own territory. Over international waters it will control the airspace over FL245 as well, but below that will remain with Bahrain.
- Phase 3 – from sometime in 2024. Doha will take responsibility for the whole FIR, above its territory and over international waters.
The impact on flight planning
Operators flying in the area need to be aware of the upcoming changes over the next two years. Changes will, of course, affect any aircraft using Doha airport. For other transits, the airspace affected may seem small, but it is strategically very important. Around 30% of traffic in and out of the UAE routes is expected to use the new Qatar FIR (previously using Bahrain FIR), as it aims to avoid nearby Iranian airspace.
Initially (in phase 1), there will be minimum difference for any aircraft overflying the territory as it will remain in Bahrain FIR. Aircraft using Doha airport will enter Doha FIR and will need to make contact with Doha earlier than they would before. This will expand once the full airspace moves to Doha control. The flight plan and departures message to use for the new Doha FIR is OTDFZQZX. When overflying to the north, operators should use OTBDYWYX.
Final Thoughts
After a long wait, Doha will be taking control of its own airspace. The handover is expected to be well managed (with phased entry ensuring smooth transfer) and, as such, there should be minimal impact on airlines and other operators. Nevertheless, there are important changes to be aware of. Flightworx can help anyone operating in the region to stay up to date with this and continue smooth operations.
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