Saudi Arabia: All travel to Qatar suspended June 5

Event

Saudi Arabia announced that all diplomatic ties with Qatar were cut on Monday, June 5. The country also stated that all travel to Qatar would be suspended indefinitely, a significant blow to Qatar which shares its only land border with the Kingdom.  An immediate ban on Qatari planes landing in Saudi Arabia has been implemented, and the Kingdom has stated that Qatari planes will no longer be allowed to fly in Saudi Arabian airspace starting on Tuesday, June 6. Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, and FlyDubai, have all announced the indefinite suspension of flights to Qatar from June 6.

Qatari residents and visitors in Saudi Arabia have been given two weeks to leave the country.

Context

Gulf Arab states have long resented Qatar's alleged support for groups such as the Egyptian-based Muslim Brotherhood and the Islamic State (IS), among others. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly accused the country of broadcasting militant ideology, a reference to Qatar's state-owned media network, Al Jazeera. Qatar has also been heavily criticized for forging a relationship with Iran, considered by many Arab countries as a dangerous enemy.

Advice

Travelers flying to, from, or through Qatar from Saudi Arabia are advised to confirm their flights and to contact their airlines for more information.