Qatar Airways has said it will “seriously” consider any proposal for partnership from Indian airline companies.

The surprise offer comes at a time the lenders of Jet Airways are scrounging for a buyer for the ailing carrier.

Officials of the airline are here to negotiate for additional seats on a temporary basis for its flights from Indian cities to Doha.

“Qatar Airways is always open to partnership with other airlines, including Indian carriers. We will seriously consider any proposal for partnership from the Indian carriers,” the airline said in a statement to PTI.

Earlier in January, the airline had said it would not buy a stake in Jet as a substantial portion of the debt-laden Indian carrier was held by Etihad Airways, whose owner Abu Dhabi is an “enemy” of Qatar.

It is not known whether the the airline’s position has changed since then, though Jet has stopped flying in April, while Etihad has categorically ruled out a majority stake in the carrier.

Jet on Friday said Etihad nominee Robin Kamark has left the board, which begs the question as to who is now running the airline.

More flights

The blockade on Qatar and the withdrawal of 28 weekly flights between Doha and New Delhi and Mumbai has increased pressure on the available seat capacity in the Qatar-India routes, the airline said on Thursday.