Indian airlines to resume Doha flights after weeks of Iran war-led shutdown

Indian airlines will resume full-scale flight operations to Hamad International Airport from May 1 after a prolonged disruption triggered by the Iran war, signalling a cautious revival in regional aviation as a fragile ceasefire holds across West Asia.

The move follows weeks of conflict after Operation Epic Fury sparked widespread airspace restrictions and the suspension of international routes across the region, forcing carriers to halt services on several Gulf sectors.

The restart, led by Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo, marks the first full restoration of India–Doha connectivity since sweeping airspace closures pushed commercial aviation in West Asia to a near standstill in late February.

In a statement posted on X, the Embassy of India in Doha confirmed that services between Doha and multiple Indian cities will restart from May 1. “Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo plan to resume their flight services between Doha and various destinations in India starting 1 May 2026,” it said.

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However, officials cautioned that schedules will remain fluid, reflecting continued uncertainty despite a temporary easing of hostilities. Passengers have been advised to stay in close contact with airlines for real-time updates on departures, terminal changes and bookings.

The disruption also exposed the vulnerability of regional aviation hubs. Qatar, a key transit point for India-bound traffic, saw its airspace largely shut to commercial operations for weeks, with Doha airport handling only evacuation and restricted flights during the peak of the crisis.

For nearly two months, one of the world’s busiest transit corridors operated in a highly constrained mode, as airlines scrambled to reroute or ground aircraft amid rapidly shifting no-fly zones.

Even as flights resume, the operating environment remains volatile. Carriers continue to grapple with elevated security risks, higher fuel costs and rising insurance premiums — pressures that have squeezed margins and complicated network planning.

With inputs from agencies.