Air India, IndiGo to resume Doha flights from May 1 after 2-month halt
Synopsis
Two months after a US-Israeli military offensive shut down Qatari airspace, Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo are set to restore Doha connections from May 1 — a fragile but significant signal that commercial aviation is returning to a still-volatile West Asia.
Key Takeaways
Air India , Air India Express , and IndiGo will resume flights to Doha from 1 May 2026 .
Hamad International Airport had been limited to emergency and evacuation flights since early March 2026 .
The suspension followed a US-Israeli military offensive launched on 28 February 2026 targeting Iranian leadership and nuclear facilities.
A fragile ceasefire brokered in Islamabad in mid-April and extended by US President Donald Trump enabled commercial insurers to approve the gradual return of flights.
The Embassy of India in Doha has advised passengers to stay in close contact with airlines for real-time schedule updates.
Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo are set to resume flight operations to Hamad International Airport in Doha from 1 May 2026, restoring a key air corridor between India and Qatar that had been suspended for nearly two months following a regional military conflict. The Embassy of India in Doha confirmed the development in a post on X on 30 April 2026.
Key Developments
The three carriers will reconnect Doha with several major Indian metropolitan cities and regional hubs starting 1 May. The Embassy stated:
Point of View
And their green light reflects a calculated, if cautious, bet on the ceasefire holding. Qatar's role as a regional mediator did not shield it from the conflict's economic fallout, a reminder that neutrality has diminishing returns in modern West Asian crises. With schedules still subject to coordination and the ceasefire described as fragile, the Indian diaspora and business travellers relying on this corridor should treat the May 1 date as a starting point, not a guarantee.
NationPress
6 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Indian airlines are resuming flights to Doha from May 1, 2026?
Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo are resuming flights to Doha's Hamad International Airport from 1 May 2026. The Embassy of India in Doha confirmed the resumption in an official post on X.
Why were India-Doha flights suspended in the first place?
Flights were suspended following a US-Israeli military offensive launched on 28 February 2026 that targeted Iranian leadership and nuclear facilities, escalating into a broader regional conflict. Qatari airspace remained largely closed to commercial traffic for nearly two months, with Hamad International Airport operating only limited emergency and evacuation flights.
What made the resumption of flights possible?
A fragile ceasefire brokered in Islamabad in mid-April 2026 and subsequently extended by US President Donald Trump created a temporary window of stability. This allowed commercial insurers to approve the gradual return of international flight operations to the region.
Are the flight schedules confirmed and reliable?
The Embassy of India in Doha has cautioned that flight schedules remain subject to ongoing coordination, reflecting the still-fragile security environment. Passengers have been advised to stay in close contact with their respective airlines for real-time updates on schedules, terminal information, and booking status.
What role did Qatar play in the West Asia conflict?
Qatar reportedly played a mediating role in the regional crisis, though it was not spared its impact. Qatari airspace remained largely closed to commercial traffic for nearly two months, significantly disrupting air connectivity through Hamad International Airport.
