Nearly 500 Indians Depart Qatar on Limited Flights Amid Airspace Restrictions
In a significant evacuation effort, nearly 500 Indian nationals have successfully departed Qatar on flights operated by Qatar Airways, as confirmed by the Indian Embassy in Doha. The travel occurred amidst partial airspace closures that have severely limited flight operations in the region.
Flight Operations and Humanitarian Efforts
The embassy announced via a social media post that passengers travelled on Qatar Airways flights to Kochi and various other global destinations. In a notable humanitarian gesture, the airline also facilitated the transportation of the mortal remains of two Indian nationals who died of natural causes, along with their accompanying family members, to Kochi.
Update from the Indian Embassy: The advisory, issued on March 13, 2026, highlighted that Qatar's airspace is only partially open, leading to restricted flight schedules. One additional flight to Mumbai is planned for operations by Qatar Airways on March 14, providing a crucial lifeline for stranded travelers.
Embassy Coordination and Community Support
Indian Ambassador to Qatar, Vipul, conducted a virtual meeting with Indian community organizations to brief them on the embassy's ongoing efforts to ensure the welfare of the Indian community during the escalating conflict situation in West Asia. Approximately 100 community members attended the briefing, with daily meetings being held to address concerns.
During these interactions, members of the Indian community expressed gratitude to the leadership and people of Qatar for ensuring the well-being of residents, reaffirming that Qatar remains their second home. The embassy has established helpline numbers and is working closely with organizations such as the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) and the Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) to handle emergency travel or other issues.
Background of the Crisis
The limited flight operations stem from an escalating security crisis in West Asia, triggered by Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting US military bases, embassies, and civilian infrastructure across the Gulf region. This includes countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.
The conflict has caused significant disruptions to global energy supplies, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, where approximately 20% of the world's oil transits. Despite the tensions, the Qatari Ministry of Interior has confirmed that the situation in the country remains stable, with vital services operating normally and authorities closely monitoring developments.
Passenger Experiences and Safety Measures
Earlier, passengers stuck in Doha who reached New Delhi on a special flight shared their relief and praised the support provided by Qatari authorities. One passenger highlighted the government's emergency alert system, which issues warnings during missile interceptions to ensure citizen safety, followed by all-clear notifications once the situation normalizes.
For Indian nationals wishing to travel from India to Qatar, Qatar Airways flights returning from India to Doha are available, though options remain limited due to the ongoing airspace restrictions. The embassy continues to advise travelers to stay updated through official channels and utilize the provided emergency contacts for assistance.
