Recent airline disruptions affecting Qatar Airways and Emirates have raised questions for pet parents planning international travel. Because these airlines operate major global hubs in Doha and Dubai, many international pet journeys connect through the Middle East. Temporary route suspensions or flight changes can therefore impact some planned travel itineraries.
The good news is that in most cases, pets can still travel safely and successfully using alternative routes, airlines, or revised flight schedules. Experienced pet relocation specialists regularly adapt travel plans when airline schedules change, and there are usually multiple solutions available depending on the destination.
Because airline routing and airspace restrictions in the region can change quickly, the most accurate information will always come directly from the airlines or from your Starwood Pet Travel relocation coordinator.
Why Qatar Airways and Emirates Are Important for Pet Travel
Qatar Airways and Emirates are two of the most commonly used airlines for international pet transportation. Their global networks allow pets to travel efficiently between continents with fewer connections and well-established cargo facilities designed to handle live animals.
Many pet relocations from North America to destinations in Asia, Africa, Australia, and parts of Europe frequently route through:
• Doha (DOH) with Qatar Airways
• Dubai (DXB) with Emirates
These airports serve as major global transit hubs with advanced cargo facilities and experienced staff trained in handling live animals. Because these hubs connect dozens of international routes, even temporary disruptions can affect travel timelines for some pets.
When these hubs experience operational changes or airspace restrictions, relocation specialists can usually adjust routes through other international gateways while still maintaining safe and compliant travel for pets.
What Happens If Flights Are Suspended or Changed
Airline disruptions do not necessarily mean a pet’s move cannot happen. Instead, travel plans are often adjusted to accommodate the change.
Common solutions include:
• Rebooking flights once service resumes
• Routing through different airline hubs
• Selecting alternative airlines approved for pet transport
• Adjusting travel dates slightly to match available routes
Professional pet relocation teams monitor airline availability daily and coordinate directly with airline cargo departments to secure safe travel options.
Alternative Routes Currently Being Used for Australia and New Zealand
Because many pet journeys to Australia and New Zealand previously routed through the Middle East, some travel plans are now being adjusted.
In many cases, pets are first transported domestically within the United States to Los Angeles (LAX). From there, pets can travel on long-haul flights to Australia or New Zealand.
Airlines currently supporting these routes include:
• Qantas Airways
• Air New Zealand
These airlines operate long-haul routes from Los Angeles that allow pets to travel directly to destinations such as Melbourne and Auckland. Routing through Los Angeles helps avoid Middle East connections while still maintaining safe and efficient travel for pets.
Professional pet relocation teams coordinate these route adjustments while ensuring all veterinary paperwork, import permits, and quarantine timelines remain compliant with destination country regulations.
Major Airports Impacted by the Flight Disruptions
Because Qatar Airways and Emirates operate large international hub airports, disruptions in these locations can affect connecting flights worldwide.
Please note: Airline routing and regional airspace access can change quickly depending on operational decisions and government restrictions. For the most up-to-date information, travelers should check directly with the airlines or consult their Starwood Pet Travel relocation coordinator.
Qatar
Hamad International Airport (DOH) – Doha, Qatar
Main hub for Qatar Airways and one of the largest international cargo transit airports in the world.
United Arab Emirates
Dubai International Airport (DXB) – Dubai
Primary hub for Emirates and one of the busiest international airports globally.
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) – Abu Dhabi
Another major regional hub that can be affected by broader regional airspace closures.
Other regional airports that may experience indirect effects from airspace restrictions include:
• Kuwait International Airport (KWI) – Kuwait
• Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) – Lebanon
• Muscat International Airport (MCT) – Oman
• Amman Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) – Jordan
• King Khalid International Airport (RUH) – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Because these hubs connect flights between North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, even temporary closures or routing changes can impact travel plans globally.
Other Airlines That Can Transport Pets Internationally
When airlines suspend routes, relocation specialists often work with other carriers that are approved to transport live animals.
Depending on the destination, alternative airlines may include:
• Lufthansa
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• Air France
• British Airways
• Qantas
• Air New Zealand
• American Airlines
• Alaska Airlines
Each airline has different requirements for crate size, seasonal restrictions, and cargo availability. Experienced pet relocation teams evaluate these factors when determining the safest and most efficient route for a pet’s journey.
How to Check Qatar Airways and Emirates Flight Updates
Because airline schedules and regional airspace access can change quickly, pet parents should monitor official airline announcements and flight status pages for the most current information.
You can check the latest updates here:
Qatar Airways Travel Alerts
https://www.qatarairways.com/en-us/travel-alerts.html
Qatar Airways Flight Status
https://www.qatarairways.com/en-us/flight-status.html
Emirates Travel Updates
https://www.emirates.com/us/english/help/travel-updates/
Emirates Flight Status
https://www.emirates.com/us/english/manage-booking/flight-status/
These pages are updated by the airlines whenever routes are suspended, delayed, or resumed.
How Long Could These Airline Disruptions Last?
Airline route suspensions are often temporary and depend on several factors including regional airspace restrictions, airline operational decisions, and international travel advisories.
In many cases airlines resume flights once conditions stabilize. However, travel schedules may remain adjusted for several weeks while airlines reposition aircraft and crews.
Pet relocation specialists monitor airline announcements daily to quickly identify when routes reopen or when new alternatives become available.
How Starwood Pet Travel Helps During Airline Disruptions
Unexpected airline changes are one of the reasons many families choose to work with professional pet relocation specialists.
At Starwood Pet Travel, our team:
• Monitors airline schedules and route availability daily
• Works directly with airline cargo departments
• Secures alternative routing when needed
• Adjusts travel plans while keeping import timelines compliant
Our goal is to ensure pets continue moving safely and efficiently, even when airline schedules shift.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Travel During Airline Disruptions
Will my pet’s move be canceled?
In most cases, no. Travel plans are typically adjusted using alternative airlines, routes, or slightly modified travel dates.
Is it safe for pets to travel during airline changes?
Yes. Airlines that transport pets follow strict live animal handling regulations established by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Will travel take longer if routes change?
Sometimes travel may involve a different connection or departure city, but relocation specialists work to keep journeys as efficient and safe as possible.
Do airline disruptions affect pet import rules?
No. Import requirements set by destination countries remain the same regardless of airline routing.
Are flight changes related to the current Middle East airspace disruptions covered under the Pet Protection Plan?
The Pet Protection Plan covers certain airline-imposed delays or cancellations (excluding weather) on a confirmed flight for your pet, which may include reimbursement for eligible expenses up to the coverage limit.
However, the current travel disruptions are related to government airspace restrictions and geopolitical events, which can affect airline routing and schedules. Because these situations are outside of the airline’s direct operational control, coverage may not apply in the same way as a typical airline delay or cancellation.
Questions About Your Pet’s Travel Plans?
If you already have a move booked with Starwood, our team will contact you directly if your pet’s itinerary needs to be adjusted.
If you previously requested a quote or are planning a move soon, our relocation specialists are happy to review the latest airline routing options available for your destination.
International pet travel can involve many moving pieces, but with experienced planning and flexibility, most journeys can still proceed smoothly.