Amid the evolving situation in West Asia, the Government of India is actively working to ensure the safe return of Indian citizens from the region. Nearly 700 Indian nationals arrived in India from Qatar, while flight services between India and Riyadh have also resumed.
700 Indians Leave Qatar on Special Flights
According to an updated advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in Qatar on Thursday, around 700 Indian citizens departed Qatar on two Qatar Airways flights.
- One flight landed in Delhi
- Another flight arrived in Mumbai
Some passengers also traveled to other destinations through connecting routes. Officials indicated that one or two Qatar Airways flights may operate daily between Qatar and India in the coming days, depending on the situation.
Travel Options for Indians in Qatar
Indian citizens wishing to leave Qatar currently have limited flight options through Qatar Airways.
Additionally, those holding a valid Saudi Arabia visa can exit Qatar through the Salwa border and travel via Saudi Arabia.
The embassy also stated that it is assisting Indian citizens in obtaining a 96-hour temporary transit visa for Saudi Arabia. This facility is available for Indians who were in Qatar on a visit visa and want to travel onward through Saudi Arabia. Registration for this assistance can be completed through links shared on the embassy’s official social media channels.
Embassy Open for Emergency Services
To support Indian nationals requiring urgent assistance, the Indian Embassy in Qatar will remain open on March 13 and 14, including for services such as emergency passport renewal.
The embassy also urged the Indian community in Qatar to follow advisories issued by local authorities. According to the advisory, markets across the country remain stable and essential goods are readily available in retail stores.
Citizens have been requested to avoid spreading rumors, behave responsibly, and refrain from panic buying, purchasing only the items that are genuinely required.
India Resumes Flights Between Riyadh and Indian Cities
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is closely monitoring the air travel situation in the region.
From March 12, 2026, flights between India and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) have resumed. On the first day of operations:
- Three flights operated by Air India and IndiGo flew to Mumbai
- One Air India Express flight operated to Kozhikode (Calicut)
The resumption of these services has restored an important air connectivity link between India and Saudi Arabia.
Over 1.5 Lakh Passengers Arrived from Gulf Region
According to the Civil Aviation Ministry, 1,50,457 passengers traveled to India by air from Gulf countries between February 28 and March 11.
Additionally, 57 flights from major West Asian cities including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah, Jeddah, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah, Riyadh, and Sharjah were scheduled to arrive in India on March 12, 2026. However, operations may vary depending on technical and operational conditions.
Government Monitoring Airfares and Operations
The ministry is coordinating closely with airlines and other stakeholders to ensure smooth passenger movement. Authorities are also monitoring airfares to prevent unnecessary price hikes during this period.
Passengers have been advised to stay in contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules and travel arrangements.
The government said it will continue reviewing the situation and issue further advisories if necessary to ensure the safety and convenience of Indian travelers.
