Qatar Airways suspends flights after airspace closure, India issues helpline for affected passengers

Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended flight operations following the closure of Qatari airspace, the airline confirmed in an official update on Saturday. The decision has affected several international travellers, including Indian passengers transiting through Gulf airports.

In a statement, Qatar Airways said services would remain suspended until the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority declares the airspace safe for operations.

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"Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace," the airline said. It added that passengers should check the latest flight updates through its official website or mobile application.

The airline also said a further operational update would be issued by 09:00 Doha time (06:00 UTC).

The disruption comes amid heightened regional security concerns, which have prompted several Gulf countries to review aviation safety measures and temporarily restrict air traffic in parts of the region.

Indian missions step in to assist stranded travellers

Amid the disruption, Indian diplomatic missions in the Gulf have begun assisting passengers stranded due to the airspace shutdown.

The Embassy of India in Doha, through an advisory shared on social media, said its officials were in constant contact with airlines and local authorities to assist affected passengers.

"Embassy of India, Doha officials are in continuous touch with various airlines and local authorities regarding stranded passengers," the advisory stated.

Passengers requiring urgent assistance were asked to contact their respective airline helplines, including those of Qatar Airways, Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo.

The embassy also shared a 24x7 emergency helpline number (+974-55647502) and an official email address for travellers seeking assistance.

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait said its officials had met Indian nationals stranded at Kuwait International Airport due to the evolving regional situation.

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According to the embassy, several passengers have moved out of the airport and are currently staying in hotels across Kuwait City, while some travellers remain in airport hotels.

"Arrangements have been made to look after their stay in Kuwait. The Embassy is in continuous touch with the respective airlines," the Indian mission said in a statement posted on social media.

The embassy also thanked Kuwaiti authorities and airline operators for extending support to stranded travellers.

Officials said coordination efforts were continuing to ensure passengers receive assistance until normal flight operations resume across the region.