Nagpur: Nagpur’s international air connectivity is set to take another hit, with Qatar Airways announcing the suspension of its Nagpur-Doha-Nagpur service from October 26, 2026, to March 29, 2027. The move comes at a time when GMR Airports has begun the long-awaited upgradation and expansion of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, raising fresh concerns over the city’s shrinking flight network despite infrastructure investments.
The suspension means Nagpur will effectively lose another international flight, leaving Air Arabia’s Sharjah service as the only direct air link between Central India and the Gulf region.
The announcement has surprised frequent flyers, travel agents, and industry stakeholders, especially as the Nagpur-Doha route has consistently witnessed healthy passenger demand from business travellers, migrant workers, students, and families travelling to the Gulf and beyond.
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Qatar Airways had earlier reduced the frequency of the route after initially operating five flights a week. The service was also temporarily suspended in March due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East before resuming operations on May 22. However, the latest suspension, covering nearly five months during the busy winter travel season, is expected to significantly impact international travellers from Vidarbha and neighbouring regions.
The development has once again reignited concerns over Nagpur’s declining air connectivity. Aviation observers point out that while GMR has initiated airport modernisation works aimed at improving passenger experience and expanding capacity, airlines continue to reduce services instead of increasing them.
Industry stakeholders say the city cannot fully benefit from airport upgrades unless airlines are encouraged to launch and sustain domestic and international routes. They have urged airport authorities, GMR, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to actively engage with airlines to restore lost connectivity and attract new carriers.
For now, passengers travelling to Doha and several onward international destinations will have to rely on connecting flights from metro airports, increasing travel time and costs.
