New Delhi, India — March 18, 2026 — Around 1,600 Indian nationals travelled to India on five Qatar Airways flights on Tuesday, even as the airline continued operating a reduced schedule due to ongoing restrictions on Qatar’s airspace, the Indian Embassy in Doha said.
According to an embassy spokesperson, the flights were part of a coordinated effort to support Indian citizens seeking to return home despite the operational challenges faced by carriers in the region. “Qatar Airways has been maintaining limited but steady services, and we are working closely with the airline to ensure Indian nationals can travel without disruption,” the spokesperson said.
The restrictions on Qatar’s airspace, which have forced airlines to reroute or consolidate services, have led to longer flight times and fewer available seats. Despite these constraints, embassy officials noted that demand for travel to India remains high, particularly among workers completing contracts, families returning for personal reasons, and students heading home during academic breaks.
Qatar Airways has not publicly detailed the number of flights it plans to operate in the coming weeks, but confirmed that it is continuing to adjust schedules in line with regional aviation guidelines. The airline has been coordinating with multiple governments to maintain essential connectivity while navigating the restricted air corridors.
Travel agents in Doha said Tuesday’s movement was one of the largest single‑day passenger flows in recent weeks. “People have been anxious about seat availability, so the confirmation of these flights brought some relief,” said a local travel consultant familiar with the bookings.
The Indian Embassy urged travellers to monitor official advisories and book tickets only through verified channels, noting that sudden operational changes remain possible as the regional situation evolves.
Officials added that consular teams are in regular contact with community groups to identify travellers needing assistance, especially those with urgent travel requirements.
The embassy said it will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available from Qatar Airways and aviation authorities.