Spokane Man Stranded in Qatar as War with Iran Halts Flights

Doug Kelley, a former Avista executive and early Bloomdsday organizer, is trying to come home after violence in the Middle East shut down travel across the region.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Doug Kelley, a Spokane native and longtime community volunteer, is currently stranded in Doha, Qatar as tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran have led to the suspension of commercial flights across the region. Kelley, who was only supposed to have a 24-hour stopover in Qatar on his way back from an African safari, has been stuck in his hotel as the situation has escalated, with explosions heard overhead and officials urging people to stay indoors.

Why it matters

The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted travel plans for many, leaving some Americans like Kelley stranded abroad with limited options to return home. This story highlights the real-world impacts of geopolitical tensions on ordinary citizens and the challenges they face in uncertain situations.

The details

Kelley said the situation in Doha has tightened, with outdoor areas closed and officials asking people to stay inside. He has occasionally left his hotel for walks, but the uncertainty has been difficult, especially for his family back home in Spokane. Kelley was initially alerted to the escalating situation when he received emergency alerts on his phone in Arabic while at the beach, and then saw smoke and heard explosions in the sky. He said the Qatari leadership, which has previously acted as a negotiator with Iran, is now 'not very happy' with Iran after the country struck targets in Qatar.

  • Kelley was only supposed to be in Qatar for about 24 hours as a stopover on his way back to Spokane after returning from an African safari.
  • Kelley started receiving emergency alerts on his phone in Arabic and seeing smoke and hearing explosions in the sky on his first day in Doha.
  • Kelley said there were 'two very large booms' a couple of days ago that he could feel, which he believes were missile strikes that have 'changed the attitude of the Qatari leadership'.

The players

Doug Kelley

A Spokane native and longtime community volunteer, former executive with Avista, and one of the early organizers who helped get Bloomsday started.

United States

Involved in the conflict in the Middle East that has led to the suspension of commercial flights across the region.

Israel

Involved in the conflict in the Middle East that has led to the suspension of commercial flights across the region.

Iran

Involved in the conflict in the Middle East that has led to the suspension of commercial flights across the region, and has reportedly struck targets in Qatar.

Qatar

The country where Kelley is currently stranded, which has previously acted as a negotiator with Iran but is now 'not very happy' with the country after the strikes.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've just got to roll with it.”

— Doug Kelley (KREM)

“Everything is closed, nothing is open, asking people to stay inside and shelter, even at the hotel.”

— Doug Kelley (KREM)

“The State Department says they have no intent of getting us out. So, it's just to sit and wait and hope things settle down.”

— Doug Kelley (KREM)

“It's in Arabic, so I don't know what it says. Then another one and then a third one shows up, all within 20 minutes, and I look around and everybody on the beach is getting up and leaving, and I'm like, 'Hmm, guess I better do the same.'”

— Doug Kelley (KREM)

“I looked up in the sky, and you start hearing explosions up in the sky and seeing the smoke, and that's when it got real.”

— Doug Kelley (KREM)

What’s next

KREM 2 contacted staff at the offices of Congressman Michael Baumgartner, Senator Maria Cantwell and Senator Patty Murray as efforts continue to find a way for Kelley to return home.

The takeaway

This story highlights the real-world impacts of geopolitical tensions on ordinary citizens, with Kelley's travel plans disrupted and him now stranded in Qatar as the conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran escalates. It underscores the challenges faced by Americans abroad when unexpected crises arise, and the importance of communication and support from government officials to help them return home safely.