Alkass English
DOHA, March 15 — The organising committee of the Doha Equestrian Tour said on Sunday it had arranged two emergency flights to transport horses from Qatar to Europe after regional tensions disrupted air travel across the Gulf.
In a statement, the committee said 147 horses taking part in the championship were flown from Doha to Liege, Belgium, within 36 hours under special arrangements made in coordination with Qatari authorities and international partners.
The operation was carried out after obtaining the necessary approvals to organise the flights, with 74 horses transported on the first aircraft and 73 on the second, while some grooms and team members travelled on the same flights.
The committee said additional logistical support was provided for other crew members who could not board the limited-capacity flights, with land transport arranged from Doha to Riyadh and Oman, where airspace remained open, allowing them to continue their journey to Europe.
The measures came as commercial flights from Hamad International Airport were suspended and Qatari airspace temporarily closed due to the ongoing situation in the region.
Officials said previously prepared emergency and risk-management plans helped ensure the safe transfer of the horses, with veterinary, transport and travel procedures completed in line with international standards.
Some riders, trainers and horses remain in Doha at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, along with local and Gulf participants, as organisers await clearance to resume the remaining rounds of the season.
Championship director Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin said the operation required extensive coordination under exceptional circumstances.
“Transporting horses is already a complex process, and doing so under these conditions required rapid cooperation between all parties,” he said, adding that the safety of the horses and participants remained the top priority.
He said strong cooperation with partners enabled organisers to secure the aircraft and complete all documentation within a short time despite the suspension of regular flights.