Kathmandu, Nepal – June 24, 2025:
After Iran launched a missile attack on the Al Udeid Airbase in Qatar, the Qatari airspace was closed citing security reasons. This directly affected international flights. Hundreds of flights were disrupted, and many Qatar Airways flights were cancelled at the last minute.

However, allegations have surfaced that Qatar Airways is using this situation as an opportunity to financially exploit Nepali passengers. Hundreds of travelers, ready to fly from Nepal to different destinations, had their flights suddenly cancelled without any prior notice. Most of them only found out after reaching the airport. To make matters worse, when rebooking the flights, Qatar Airways introduced a new policy that specifically affects Nepali passengers.

According to the new policy, passengers can only rebook their tickets in the same class (RBD – Reservation Booking Designator) they originally booked, or up to two classes higher. Moreover, all flights must be completed by July 15, 2025, adding more restrictions. This has forced Nepali passengers to pay thousands or even hundreds of thousands of rupees extra for their tickets.

Qatar Airways recently announced this new ticket change and travel date policy. Under this policy, passengers who purchased tickets before June 23, 2025, with travel dates between June 23 to June 30, can set a new travel date within 14 days. This policy applies to all Qatar Airways flights within their network, including Doha. However, for flights to Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, the previous special policy (COMM1129V1.4) remains in place.

Passengers can change their tickets twice for free until July 15, 2025, but they must maintain the same route and destination. If seats are unavailable in the same class, rebooking is only allowed in a higher class within the same RBD group. For tickets with connecting flights (codeshare or interline), rebooking must be done in the lowest available RBD operated by Qatar Airways and the other carrier (OAL). Fare and routing rules must be followed for the new ticket, and ‘re-protection’ from other airlines is not allowed.

Attempts to contact Sarik Bogati, Qatar Airways’ Commercial Manager for Nepal, were unsuccessful, raising concerns of negligence. It is suspected that this policy was introduced with the involvement of local staff to give special treatment to influential people while ordinary passengers face financial exploitation.

How Are Nepali Passengers Being Exploited?

• Flights were cancelled due to Qatar Airways’ own shortcomings, but rebooking is only allowed under their strict conditions targeting Nepali passengers.

• Tickets are being reissued only in higher and more expensive classes.

• The fare difference between Economy T Class and Y Class can be up to five times, forcing passengers to pay hundreds of thousands extra.

• Instead of providing free rebooking based on the old ticket as per standard practice, Qatar Airways is deliberately offering only expensive options.

• Local staff are allegedly favoring influential individuals with easy solutions while trapping regular passengers with restrictive policies.

• By not accepting other airlines’ ‘re-protection’ policies, passengers are left with no alternatives, making them vulnerable and financially strained.

Such tactics by Qatar Airways are further weakening Nepali travelers financially. If authorities do not intervene soon, this issue is likely to escalate.