Starting May 1, Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo To Resume Doha Flights After 2 Months Of Disruption

Air travel between India and Qatar is set to regain momentum after an extended period of disruption, with key Indian airlines preparing to restart operations at Hamad International Airport, Doha. After nearly two months of severely restricted air traffic in the region, passengers can once again look forward to direct connectivity. According to an announcement by the Embassy of India in Doha, Indian carriers, including Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo, are set to resume flight services between Doha and various Indian cities starting May 1, 2026.

The Embassy shared the update via a post on X on April 30, noting that the restart is being carried out in coordination with relevant authorities and airline partners. Passengers have been advised to stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest updates on schedules and operations.

See the announcement below:

Update/Notice
Indian carriers plan to resume operations at Hamad International Airport, Doha, as flight operations continue to expand. Air India, Air India Express and Indigo plan to resume their flight services between Doha and various destinations in India starting 1 May 2026.…

— India in Qatar (@IndEmbDoha) April 29, 2026

Two Months Of Flight Disruption At Hamad International Airport

Flight operations at Hamad International Airport were heavily impacted following escalating tensions in the region in the previous few months. The crisis began after Operation Epic Fury, a joint US-Israeli military campaign launched on February 28, 2026, targeting Iranian leadership and nuclear facilities. The developments triggered wider instability, leading to significant disruptions in regional air travel.

As a result, Qatari airspace remained largely closed to commercial flights for nearly two months. Since early March, the airport had been operating only limited emergency and evacuation services.

Also Read: Airlines Cancel Flights, Hike Ticket Prices As Jet Fuel Crisis Cripples Aviation

Ceasefire Opens Window For Air Travel

As reported by ANI, a delicate two-week ceasefire, brokered in Islamabad in mid-April and recently extended by President Trump, has finally provided a "security window" wide enough for commercial insurers to greenlight the return of major international carriers.

Indian airlines, which have maintained a neutral yet significant presence in the region, are seen as playing an important role in restoring connectivity, reported ANI. Their return is also viewed as a stabilising factor for regional travel and economic activity amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

Which All Airlines Are Currently Operating At The Doha Airport?

Qatar Airways and a number of partner airlines are operating to and from Doha. Following is the list of start dates for multiple airlines, as shared by Hamad International Airport:

• 21 April 2026: flydubai
• 22 April 2026: AirArabia
• 23 April 2026: Oman Air, Royal Jordanian, Tarco Aviation, US-Bangla Airlines
• 26 April 2026: Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Nepal Airlines
• 27 April 2026: Badr Airlines, Syrian Air
• 28 April 2026: Egypt Air, Himalaya Airlines
• 1 May 2026: Air India, Air India Express, Gulf Air
• 4 May 2026: Ethiopian Airlines
• 11 May 2026: SriLankan Airlines
• 16 May 2026: Kam Air
• 1 July 2026: Royal Air Maroc

Could Flights Be Suspended Again?

Airport authorities say that these flight schedules may be adjusted or cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control, as operations continue in accordance with the relevant authorities and coordination with airline partners.

Passengers should continue to check directly with their airline for the latest updates.

Past Experiences Of Smooth Management At Hamad International Airport During Crisis

During the peak of the disruptions, travellers in Doha faced considerable challenges, though many also shared experiences of support and coordination on the ground. One passenger recounted his experience at Hamad International Airport on March 1, 2026, praising both Qatar Airways and airport authorities for their handling of the situation.

In a post on X, he described how stranded passengers were provided with unlimited food coupons usable across airport dining outlets. He also noted that the airport's ground staff managed evacuation procedures in an organised and calm manner.

According to his account, passengers were initially asked to wait in airport lounges as they awaited updates on airspace reopening. Later in the night, they were informed of a full airport evacuation. Despite the circumstances, the process was carried out systematically, ensuring safety and order throughout.

This is an appreciation post for @qatarairways and @HIAQatar.

- Food coupons were distributed to everyone at the airport. You could just redeem them at the food court. For all meals, no less.

- We had decided to stay at the lounge until the airspace opened. In fact, we went… pic.twitter.com/ReWr1PDB2U

— Ershad Kaleebullah (@r3dash) March 1, 2026

Indian Travellers To Doha Advised To Remain Vigilant

With flights now set to resume, travellers are advised to check with airlines for real-time updates, as schedules may continue to evolve depending on regional developments. While the reopening marks a positive step, the situation remains sensitive, and operations are likely to remain closely monitored.