Stopover
A scheduled break in a layover — typically 24+ hours — where you actually leave the airport and spend time in the transit country.
A stopover is a layover that's deliberately longer than 24 hours, used to spend time in the transit country. Many airlines actively encourage stopovers because it brings tourism revenue to their hub city — they offer free hotels, transfers, and even guided tours.
The 2026 stopover programs that benefit Indians:
Qatar Stopover Programme — Qatar Airways offers a free hotel in Doha for any layover 12+ hours. Indian passport holders need a visa-on-arrival (free under 30 days), available at the airport. Tour vouchers (₹2,500 face value) included. Available on most Qatar routes from Indian metros to Europe/Africa/Americas.
Emirates Dubai Connect — free hotel + transfers for 10–24h layovers in Dubai (if your fare class qualifies). UAE visa-on-arrival is free for first-time under-30 Indian passport holders, so add a country for free if you're under 30. Older travelers pay ₹6,500 for the visa.
Turkish Airlines Stopover in Istanbul — free 1- or 2-night hotel for economy / business class on long-haul tickets. eVisa for Indians is ₹4,000, valid 30 days, so you can do a proper 2-day Istanbul stay before flying onward.
Singapore Airlines Stopover Holiday Pass — discounted hotel + attractions package; not free but heavily discounted (~₹4,000 for 2 nights with breakfast). Singapore eVisa for Indians is ₹2,000.
- Qatar: qatarairways.com/stopover
- Emirates: emirates.com/dubai-connect
- Turkish: turkishairlines.com/stopover
The trap: these programs are only available if you book direct on the airline's website. Aggregators (MakeMyTrip, Skyscanner) won't show or honor them.