India’s leading airlines are set to resume full-scale operations at Doha’s Hamad International Airport from May 1. Qatari airspace was largely closed to commercial traffic for nearly two months amid conflict
in West Asia.
Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo will lead the return, reconnecting Doha with several major Indian cities. The move comes after nearly two months of limited air traffic, during which Qatar’s main airport handled only emergency and evacuation flights.
The Embassy of India in Doha announced the development on X and said: “Indian carriers plan to resume operations at Hamad International Airport, Doha, as flight operations continue to expand. Air India, Air India Express and Indigo plan to resume their flight services between Doha and various destinations in India starting 1 May 2026.”
The Embassy clarified that the decision is part of a coordinated effort involving international aviation authorities. However, it also cautioned that flight schedules could still change depending on approvals and ongoing coordination.
Update/Notice
Indian carriers plan to resume operations at Hamad International Airport, Doha, as flight operations continue to expand. Air India, Air India Express and Indigo plan to resume their flight services between Doha and various destinations in India starting 1 May 2026.…— India in Qatar (@IndEmbDoha) April 29, 2026
The Embassy also urged passengers to remain in touch with their airlines for the latest information on schedules, terminals and bookings.
Operations Were Disrupted Amid West Asia Conflict
The disruption began after Operation Epic Fury, launched on February 28, 2026. The joint US-Israeli military campaign targeting Iranian leadership and nuclear facilities led to a sharp escalation in tensions across the Middle East. The situation soon affected neighbouring countries, including Qatar.
Despite its neutral stance, Qatar was impacted by the conflict. On March 18, Iranian strikes hit Ras Laffan, damaging around 17% of the country’s LNG export capacity. This led to what officials described as an “unprecedented shutdown” of key energy and aviation operations. As a result, Qatari airspace remained largely closed to regular commercial flights for weeks.
Flights Resume Amid Fragile Ceasefire In West Asia
A temporary easing of tensions has made this resumption possible. A two-week ceasefire, brokered in Islamabad in mid-April and recently extended by President Trump, has created a limited window of stability. This has allowed insurers and airlines to cautiously restart operations.
The return of Indian carriers is being seen as a small but important step towards restoring normalcy, even as wider diplomatic efforts in the region continue.
