Indian carriers to restore full Doha operations from May 1, 2026, embassy says
India’s leading airlines are set to restart full-scale operations at Doha’s Hamad International Airport from May 1, 2026, in what officials described as a significant step toward normalising air connectivity after weeks of disruption. The Embassy of India in Doha said in a post on X that Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo plan to resume their flight services between Doha and multiple destinations in India from May 1, 2026.
The mission noted the move is part of a coordinated effort with global aviation authorities to stabilise operations across the region. The restart follows a two-month period of curtailed commercial traffic, which began after a joint US–Israeli military offensive launched on February 28 targeting Iranian leadership and nuclear facilities.
The action escalated into a broader regional conflict. Despite Qatar’s mediating role during the crisis, Qatari airspace was largely closed to commercial flights for nearly two months, with Hamad International operating only limited emergency and evacuation services since early March.
According to the embassy, flight schedules remain subject to ongoing coordination, reflecting what it called a still-fragile security environment. Passengers were advised to stay in close contact with airlines for real-time updates on schedules, terminal information and bookings.
A fragile ceasefire brokered in Islamabad in mid-April, and recently extended by US President Donald Trump, has created a temporary window of stability. That opening has enabled commercial insurers to approve a gradual return of international flight operations to the region.
Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo are expected to reconnect Doha with major Indian metropolitan centres as well as regional hubs as operations ramp up, with the embassy stressing that timing and routes may adjust as coordination continues.