Around 1,600 Indian nationals returned to India on five Qatar Airways flights on Tuesday, despite ongoing airspace restrictions in Qatar due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, the Indian Embassy in Qatar said in a statement.
The repatriation flights included two services to New Delhi and one each to Mumbai, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, underscoring efforts to bring back Indian citizens amid limited operations by Qatar’s national carrier. The embassy noted that Qatar’s airspace remains largely closed, leaving the airline to operate only limited, non‑scheduled flights as part of evacuation measures.
Qatar Airways has subsequently announced plans to operate flights to nine Indian destinations from Wednesday, with bookings available through its website, mobile app and authorised travel agents, intending to increase connectivity for travellers affected by the disruption. These arrangements come amid broader disruption to airline operations across the Gulf region, as airspace closures linked to the conflict have prompted cancellations and rerouting of flights.
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The Indian Embassy in Doha has been facilitating travel support by issuing temporary Saudi transit visas for Indians willing to return via Saudi Arabia’s Salwa land border, a measure aimed at assisting those unable to secure direct flights due to restricted airspace. The mission also said it will remain operational throughout the coming week to provide consular services, including passport issuance, with its control room and helplines functioning 24/7.
Officials urged Indian nationals in Qatar to adhere to local authority instructions and share accurate information to maintain safety and community stability during the ongoing crisis. The flights on Tuesday represent one of the largest repatriation movements since travel disruptions intensified, reflecting sustained efforts by Indian authorities to ensure the safe return of citizens.
The disruptions stem from escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, where airspace closures and conflict‑related uncertainties have affected aviation networks globally — leading to hundreds of flight cancellations and operational challenges for carriers serving the region.
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