Sri Lanka
USA
Canada
India
UK
UAE
India’s major airlines are preparing to fully restore services to Hamad International Airport from May 1, marking a key step toward normalising regional air travel after weeks of disruption.
The move comes nearly two months after the launch of Operation Epic Fury, a joint US-Israeli military campaign that escalated tensions across West Asia and severely impacted aviation activity.
Leading the return are Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo, which plan to reconnect Doha with several major cities and regional hubs across India. The Embassy of India in Doha confirmed the development, noting that flight operations between Doha and multiple Indian destinations will gradually resume starting May 1.
Officials stressed that the restart is part of a coordinated effort involving global aviation stakeholders, rather than an isolated decision. However, flight schedules will remain flexible and subject to approvals from relevant authorities, reflecting the still-sensitive security environment in the region.
Travellers have been advised to stay in close contact with their airlines for the latest updates on departures, arrivals, and booking status, as conditions may change at short notice.
Although Qatar has played a mediating role in regional tensions, it was not spared from the fallout. Strikes linked to the conflict in March caused damage to key infrastructure, including parts of the Ras Laffan industrial area, disrupting both energy exports and aviation operations.
As a result, Qatari airspace remained largely closed to commercial flights for nearly two months, with only limited emergency and evacuation services operating from early March.
A fragile ceasefire, brokered in mid-April and recently extended with backing from Donald Trump, has created a temporary window of stability. This has allowed insurers and aviation authorities to cautiously approve the return of international flight operations.
The resumption of services by Indian carriers—seen as neutral but essential players in regional connectivity—could help stabilise travel and trade flows, even as broader geopolitical negotiations continue.
