Qatar Airways has relocated 20 of its largest aircraft to Teruel airport in Spain, a facility specializing in long-term aircraft storage. The move includes A380, A350, and Boeing 787 planes, which typically operate on long-haul routes through the airline's Doha hub. This relocation comes as the carrier faces significant operational challenges due to airspace closures amid ongoing regional tensions.

Flightradar24 data shows five additional planes were transferred on Sunday, joining 15 already at the Spanish site. The airline is currently operating less than a quarter of its normal services, making it the most affected major regional carrier. While Emirates and Etihad have resumed some flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Qatar's efforts have been hampered by airspace restrictions that have persisted for weeks.

The decision reflects both immediate operational needs and longer-term risk management. Aviation analyst John Strickland notes that Teruel offers specialized storage services including engine protection and climate-controlled environments. The scale of the relocation suggests Qatar Airways may be preparing for extended disruption, with the airline confirming aircraft will return to service only after airspace fully reopens.