During an unplanned stopover in Qatar, The Runway Traveller’s VANESSA TOKATLY (a Karryon Travel Advisor Board member) reports from the Middle East, where disruption remains real, but on-the-ground experiences reveal a more nuanced picture for travel advisors navigating client travel right now.
Like everyone else, I’ve spent the past few weeks rebooking clients, processing refunds, and offering what often feels like “crystal ball” advice which is mostly: avoid the Middle East. Then came my own trip.
I had two options: cancel and lose the cost of my European land arrangements (but receive a flight refund), or rebook on another airline at a premium. Naturally, I did the opposite.
For context, I was fully aware of the risks, Australian Government warnings in place, no insurance coverage, and no assistance if airspace closed again and I found myself stuck in the Middle East. I’d even experienced a mid-flight diversion via Doha last year when airspace shut down.
Still, after days of watching FlightRadar like it was a Netflix series, tracking departures, delays, and whether flights were even getting out, I decided to go for it.
To make things more interesting, my flights were on VA codeshare numbers (yes, I know… we all warn our clients about that too), originally booked to chase status credits.
After three schedule changes in the lead-up, I finally departed. Brisbane to Perth was seamless. Perth to Doha? A five-hour delay… but the flight still departed completely full.
Mid-flight, I was juggling apps and websites, quietly hoping my onward flight to Madrid would be delayed just enough for me to make it. Instead, a few hours out of Doha, the Qatar Airways app updated, I’d been rebooked for the following day. Overnight in Doha it was.
And this is where things got interesting, in the best possible way.
The handling on arrival was exceptional. As we stepped off the aircraft, Qatar staff were waiting on the airbridge holding signs for onward destinations. You simply walked up, gave your name, and within minutes were handed a hotel voucher, 250 QAR for dinner, and pre-printed boarding passes for the next day. Bags were automatically through-checked.
Total time? Less than five minutes. We were on a bus and on our way to the hotel almost immediately.
Now, here’s the part I didn’t expect.
Our hotel was about five minutes from Souq Waqif, so instead of calling it a night, I grabbed my travel companion and another stranded traveller we’d met at the hotel, and we headed out for a walk and dinner. And honestly? It was fantastic.
The souq was quieter than usual, sure, but still very much alive. Locals and travellers were out, restaurants were open, and the food was incredible. What could have been a frustrating disruption turned into one of those unexpected travel highlights. I’m a big believer in leaning into the unplanned moments, and this one absolutely paid off.
So, what’s it like to travel via Doha right now?
Operationally, on the ground, it’s smooth. Qatar Airways are doing an outstanding job managing disruption in what is clearly a very challenging environment. Processes are efficient, staff are calm and organised, and passengers are being looked after.
That said, the risk is real, and it’s important to be very clear about that. Anyone choosing to travel via the Middle East right now needs to understand that if things go sideways, it’s on them.
But if you do find yourself with clients who insist on travelling this way, despite your best advice, hopefully this gives you some reassurance around what the experience currently looks like.
Six days later, I’ve just finished hiking the Camino in Spain for my 50th birthday. It feels slightly serendipitous that simply getting there ended up being almost as much of a journey as walking 117km.
My flight home in a few weeks? TBC…
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