The Indian Embassy in Doha confirmed that over 1,100 Indian passengers were flown back to India on Qatar Airways flights on March 16, landing in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, and other cities. With the Gulf crisis showing no signs of easing, this marks one of the largest single-day evacuation efforts for stranded Indians in Qatar.
Here’s everything you need to know about the current situation, available flights, and how to plan your travel.
What’s Happening: Gulf Airspace Remains Restricted
Qatar’s airspace has been largely closed since late February 2026 due to the escalating US-Iran conflict. Regular commercial flights are suspended, and only limited operations through a “safe corridor” defined by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority are permitted.
Qatar Airways is currently the primary airline authorised to operate through these restricted corridors. Each flight requires careful planning and regulatory approval, which means schedules are extremely limited and subject to last-minute changes.
Most non-Qatari airlines — including IndiGo, Saudia, and Oman Air — have suspended Doha services until at least March 28. Kuwait and Bahrain airspace also remain closed.
Qatar Airways: Expanded India Routes from March 18
The Indian Embassy has confirmed that Qatar Airways will expand connectivity to nine Indian cities starting March 18, 2026:
- Ahmedabad
- Amritsar
- Bengaluru
- Chennai
- Delhi
- Hyderabad
- Kochi
- Kozhikode
- Mumbai
This is a significant expansion from the initial evacuation flights which only covered Delhi, Mumbai, and Kochi. If you’re stranded in Qatar with a destination in South or West India, direct options are now opening up.
Important: These are limited, non-scheduled operations — not regular commercial flights. Do not go to Hamad International Airport unless you have a confirmed ticket and have received a “Ready for Travel” notification from Qatar Airways.
How to Book These Flights
The Indian Embassy advises passengers to book through official channels only:
- Qatar Airways website — qatarairways.com
- Qatar Airways mobile app
- Authorised travel agents
If you have an existing Qatar Airways booking with travel dates between 28 February and 28 March 2026, you’re eligible for two complimentary date changes to any new date up to 30 April 2026, or a full refund.
The Embassy has also noted that it will be closing the registration link for transit and short-term visitors shortly. Going forward, passengers should liaise directly with Qatar Airways for travel arrangements.
Alternative Route: Land Crossing via Saudi Arabia
For those who can’t get on a Qatar Airways flight, the Indian Embassy is facilitating an alternative land route through Saudi Arabia:
- Cross the Abu Samra–Salwa border from Qatar into Saudi Arabia
- Fly onward to India from Riyadh or Dammam airports
- The Embassy is assisting with temporary Saudi transit visas for Indian nationals on short-term visits
Requirements for the land route:
- Valid passport
- Approved Saudi transit visa (Embassy can assist)
- Confirmed onward flight ticket from Riyadh or Dammam to India
- Travel during the designated window: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Processing time for transit visa approval is approximately 48 hours from when the Embassy receives your complete documents.
Key Numbers & Resources for Stranded Indians
Indian Embassy in Doha — Operating 24/7 with active helplines:
📞 +974-44255777 / +974-44255700
Contact the Embassy for:
- Flight information and booking guidance
- Saudi transit visa facilitation
- Emergency consular services and passport issuance
- Dry ration supplies (for Indian fishermen community in Qatar)
The Embassy has confirmed it will remain open throughout the coming week to provide full consular services.
The Bigger Picture: 50,000+ Indians Repatriated
Since tensions escalated in the Gulf, over 50,000 Indian nationals have been repatriated through coordinated efforts by the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian embassies across the region, and airlines including Qatar Airways, Air India, Emirates, and Etihad.
Air India alone is running 50 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to West Asia today to assist with evacuation efforts. The scale of the operation reflects both the size of the Indian diaspora in the Gulf and the severity of the ongoing crisis.
What This Means for Your Travel Plans
If you’re planning travel between India and the Gulf region:
- Avoid booking Gulf transit routes for the near term. Airspace remains unpredictable.
- European and Asian routes are your safest bet for USA–India travel. See our guide: Safe USA to India Flight Routes Bypassing Middle East
- Book two one-way tickets instead of round-trip for maximum flexibility if cancellations occur.
- Fares are rising fast — Air India has already added a $50/ticket fuel surcharge. Book sooner rather than later.
Need help finding safe, affordable flights? FareEagle can help you find routes that avoid the conflict zone entirely — through Europe, Asia, or nonstop options. Call us at +91-8532928532 (24/7) or visit fareeagle.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Qatar Airways flights to India operating right now?
Yes, on a limited basis through restricted safe corridors. From March 18, Qatar Airways is expanding to nine Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kozhikode, Ahmedabad, and Amritsar.
How do I book a Qatar Airways evacuation flight?
Book through the Qatar Airways website, mobile app, or an authorised travel agent. Do not go to the airport without a confirmed ticket and “Ready for Travel” notification.
Can I travel from Qatar to India by land?
Yes. The Indian Embassy is facilitating land crossings through the Abu Samra–Salwa border into Saudi Arabia, with onward flights from Riyadh or Dammam. You’ll need a transit visa (Embassy can help) and a confirmed onward flight ticket.
Is it safe to book Gulf airline flights for future travel?
The situation remains volatile. For immediate travel, use European or Asian transit routes. For future travel, consider booking two one-way tickets for flexibility in case of further disruptions.
Stay safe. Stay informed. Travel smart.
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