Travel trade sector members have reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to prioritize the repatriation of eight naval veterans who have been under Qatari custody for over 14 months.
These veterans were taken into custody by Qatar’s interior ministry on August 30, 2022, without any statement from the Qatari government regarding their imprisonment, charges, or the death penalty announcement.
India is significant for Qatar in terms of airline connectivity, passenger traffic, and seamless onward connectivity. India’s strategic importance cannot be underestimated, as it is a vital link between Qatar and the rest of the world, facilitating travel and promoting global connectivity.
“Travel ties between India and Qatar are very well established. Eight Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Trivandrum, Cochin, and Bangalore) have daily flights to Qatar,” said Subash Goyal, President of the Confederation of Tourism Professionals.
He also added, “We have written to PM that like he helped in flying back stranded students from Ukraine and Indians stuck in Sudan and recently those who wanted to fly back from Israel, he should urge the Qatari authorities to repatriate our naval veterans.”
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There are over 40 daily flights (round trip) between India and Qatar, operated by three airlines – Air India, IndiGo, and Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways alone accounts for approximately 20% of this air traffic.
If the dispute is not resolved, the travel trade sector believes it could have an impact on the traffic flow and air services in this sector.
Furthermore, some industry experts emphasize the importance of resolving this issue to avoid any disruptions in this sector, which heavily relies on the smooth operation of flights between the two countries.
“It is estimated that nearly 2.8 million passengers fly between India and Qatar annually, and Indians often travel beyond Doha on Qatar Airways. We have been promoting travel on Qatar Airways, but if the ongoing issue isn’t settled in India’s favor – it could have an impact,” said a member of a leading India-based travel organization.
More than 7 Lakh Indians work in Qatar, and the recently announced death sentence for the eight naval veterans will be a deterrent for them. Moreover, it could also cause Indian authorities to reconsider their travel, trade, and diplomatic ties, according to a reliable source.
