Qatar Airways Facilitates Travel for 1,600 Indians Amid Airspace Restrictions

In a significant development, Qatar Airways has enabled the travel of around 1,600 Indian nationals back to India despite ongoing airspace restrictions. The Indian Embassy in Doha confirmed the operation of five flights, including services to major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. As the airline prepares to resume more flights, the embassy is also facilitating transit visas for stranded citizens. With rising tensions in West Asia, the embassy remains committed to providing support and ensuring the safety of the Indian community. Read on for more details about this evolving situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 17, 2026, 21:39 IST

Travel Update from Doha

On Tuesday, approximately 1,600 Indian citizens returned to India aboard five flights operated by Qatar Airways, despite ongoing limitations in Qatar's airspace, as reported by the Indian Embassy in Doha.

The flights included two to Delhi and one each to Mumbai, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram, according to a post shared by the embassy on social media.

The embassy confirmed that around 1,600 Indian nationals utilized Qatar Airways services on that day.

Currently, Qatar's airspace remains predominantly closed, leading Qatar Airways to conduct only a limited number of non-scheduled flights.

Starting Wednesday, the airline plans to resume services to nine destinations in India, with bookings available through their website, mobile app, or authorized travel agents.

The embassy is also facilitating temporary Saudi transit visas for Indian nationals stranded in Qatar who wish to travel to India via Saudi Arabia by crossing the Salwa land border.

To ensure continuous support, the embassy will be open every day next week to provide consular services, including passport issuance, while its control room and helplines will operate around the clock.

Indian nationals are encouraged to adhere to the guidelines set by Qatari authorities and to responsibly share information to promote public safety and community stability.

Additionally, the embassy, in collaboration with Indian community organizations, is assisting local fishermen by distributing dry rations to those in need.

Tensions in the West Asia region have been rising following US-Israel strikes on Iran that began on February 28.