The use of airspace is, of course, well-regulated and controlled. Most countries control their own airspace, offering permissions to operators to use it, and taking usage fees.
Qatar has long been an exception to this norm. Most of the airspace has been controlled by Bahrain, but this is now changing with a phased return to Qatar between and The airspace over Doha has long been controlled by Bahrain. As a relatively small amount of airspace, and with close relations between the two countries, this made sense.
However, the political problems that began in changed this. During the Qatar diplomatic crisis, surrounding countries accused Qatar of supporting terrorism, and not meeting previous agreements made with the Gulf Cooperation Council.
As a result of this, several countries cut diplomatic ties with Qatar. This lasted until early Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt banned Qatar-registered planes using their airspace and ships from their waters.
This resulted in the suspension of local flights to and from Qatar, and expensive and lengthy diversions for long-haul flights. Doha has expressed interest in its own airspace since This was, of course, motivated by the diplomatic situation and restricted airspace use.
