In January 2025, Qatar Stopover programme recorded more than 10,500 visitors, compared to 6,651 in January 2024. The number of visitors in the stopover programme increased an impressive 165% from April 2024 to January 2025 – as compared to the same timeframe in the previous year. Discover Qatar, the destination management arm of Qatar Airways Group, has achieved a significant milestone, welcoming over 10,000 stopover visitors in a single month for the first time since the Qatar Stopover Programme’s relaunch in August 2021. This achievement reflects Qatar’s growing appeal as a world-class destination and the programme’s growing popularity. The programme has also driven exceptional growth in hotel bookings, with over 100,000 room nights sold so far this year – doubling the figures from the previous year. Qatar Airways Holidays is driving this success as the largest contributor to the programme’s sales, delivering over a third of all bookings, leveraging the marketing strength of Qatar Airways around the globe. Stopover is proving incredibly popular with Qatar Airways frequent flyers too, with 20% of customers using the popular loyalty currency Avios to pay for their bookings, with logged in Privilege Club members earning Avios and Qpoints with every transaction. Discover Qatar Senior Vice President, Mr. Steven Reynolds, said: “Qatar Stopover Programme is central to positioning Qatar as a leading global destination, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. By leveraging Qatar Airways’ extensive network of over 170 destinations and the outstanding travel experiences we offer, we have firmly established Qatar as a must-visit destination. At Discover Qatar, we are committed to delivering tailored packages that combine cultural discovery, world-class hospitality, and unforgettable experiences for travellers from around the world.” The growth of the …
Read More »Qatar Airways expands global network with new destinations in South America: Bogotá and Caracas
Qatar Airways announced its latest expansion into the Americas with the launch of two new weekly flights on Wednesdays and Sundays, starting early summer 2025. These flights will connect Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha to Bogotá El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Colombia, and then continue to Caracas Simon Bolivar International Airport (CCS) in Venezuela. The return flight from Caracas will operate non-stop to Doha. This new service makes Qatar Airways the first and only airline to offer non-stop flights from the Middle East to Colombia and the only Middle Eastern carrier operating in Venezuela. With the addition of Bogotá and Caracas, Qatar Airways expands its Americas network to a total of 16 destinations, joining major cities like Dallas, Miami, New York City, São Paulo, and Toronto. Operated by Boeing 777-200LR aircraft equipped with 42 Business Class seats and 234 Economy Class seats, the new Bogotá and Caracas services will provide travellers from two of South America’s busiest cities with convenient access to the Middle East and beyond, owing to Qatar Airways’ strong global network reaching over 170 destinations. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “The launch of flights to Bogotá and Caracas marks a transformative moment for Qatar Airways and for travellers to South America. As the first airline to offer nonstop service from the Middle East to Colombia and the only Middle Eastern carrier flying to Venezuela, we are creating new opportunities to connect people, cultures, and commerce. “Passengers can look forward to experiencing Qatar Airways’ world-class in-flight hospitality as we continue to reach new heights in long-haul travel with our second longest flight into the Americas. These routes embody our commitment to …
Read More »Qatar Airways returns to Malta with four weekly flights this summer
Qatar Airways will resume operations to Malta with four weekly flights from 2 July 2025. The resumption to Malta will expand Qatar Airways’ network to nearly 50 destinations in Europe. Bookings are now open for travellers from Australia, China, India, Japan, and the Philippines seeking the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Passengers can plan their summer holidays with Qatar Airways to travel through Hamad International Airport, the World’s Best Airport as voted by Skytrax in 2024, to Malta International Airport and visit the capital city of Valletta – a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and Gozo and Comino – the sister islands of Malta. Similarly, travellers from Malta can benefit from Qatar Airways’ extensive network of more than 170 global destinations, including Australia, where it currently operates 42 weekly flights. Qatar Airways’ proposed partnership with Virgin Australia, pending final regulatory approval, will also boost connectivity. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Qatar Airways is delighted to announce the resumption of our flights to Malta, which marks a vibrant addition to our robust European network. Qatar and Malta enjoy staunch economic ties, and our operational relaunch to the country only furthers our relationship.” Engr. Al-Meer continued: “We are proud to continually offer our global community of adventurers and leisure travellers new destinations to discover and explore. From historic and cultural sites and attractions, sun and sea activities, to cities serving as locations for Hollywood movies and TV shows, Malta offers an exciting blend of memorable experiences for travellers – all set against the backdrop of the azure Mediterranean Sea.” The Renaissance city of Valletta – the capital of Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – …
Read More »Qatar Airways resumes flights to Abha, 11th destination in Saudi Arabia
Qatar Airways resumed flights at Abha International Airport (AHB). The airline will operate two weekly flights to Abha, offering seamless connectivity on Qatar Airways’ extensive global network of over 170 destinations. With the resumption of this route, Qatar Airways brings the total number of destinations it serves within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to 11, including: Abha, AlUla, Dammam, Jeddah, Medina, NEOM, Qassim, Riyadh, Tabuk, Taif, and Yanbu. Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “We are delighted to resume flights to Abha, our 11th gateway in Saudi Arabia. With over 140 weekly flights, we connect more than 36,000 passengers weekly between Saudi Arabia and Doha. This highlights our commitment to enhancing connectivity, supporting tourism and strengthening economic and cultural ties between our two nations.” Air Connectivity Program CEO, Mr. Majid Khan, said: “The cooperation between the Air Connectivity Program and Qatar Airways is a significant step in enhancing the Kingdom’s air connectivity. This partnership not only connects our two countries but also opens doors for global visitors to explore the unique experiences that the Kingdom offers.” Cluster 2 Airports Company Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Ali Masrahi, said: “The commencement of direct flights between Doha and Abha represents a significant step forward in enhancing connectivity and promoting tourism in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. This new route will not only facilitate travel for tourists and business visitors, but also contribute substantially to the Kingdom’s National Tourism Strategy and National Aviation Strategy. By improving accessibility to the Aseer region, known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, these flights will boost local economies, create employment opportunities, and showcase the …
Read More »Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Marriott Bonvoy announce new benefits for members
Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Marriott Bonvoy by Marriott International are enhancing their partnership to provide Privilege Club members with new benefits to unlock more travel experiences across the globe. Privilege Club members with a Marriott Bonvoy account can convert their Avios into Marriott Bonvoy points. This enhancement is the first-of-its-kind for airline loyalty programmes in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, providing members with a new way to use their Avios across Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of more than 30 extraordinary brands and 10,000 global destinations. Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can now convert their Avios to Marriott Bonvoy points at a two-to-one ratio. To do this, members simply need to log into their Qatar Airways Privilege Club account through the Qatar Airways app or website, visit the Marriott Bonvoy partner page, and select the number of Avios they wish to convert. A minimum of 1,000 Avios is required in their Privilege Club account to complete a transaction. This added advantage to the partnership provides members with more choice for spending their Avios. Privilege Club members are now able to book complimentary nights across renowned brands such as W Hotels, JW Marriott, Autograph Collection, Westin, and Moxy Hotels. Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Loyalty, Mr. Thomas Vadakedath, said: “Qatar Airways Privilege Club is pleased to expand its long-standing partnership with Marriott Bonvoy. With the latest enhancement, we are excited to offer Privilege Club members a new way to spend their Avios, and access rewards of their choice with Marriott Bonvoy.” “As the loyalty programme of the ‘World’s Best Airline’ we aim to offer members with benefits that elevate their travel experiences, and the latest advancement in our partnership …
Read More »Qatar Airways to resume daily flights to Canberra
Qatar Airways is set to re-launch daily flights to Canberra driving connectivity and increased competition for the benefit of Canberrans and Australian customers. The daily flights to Canberra will operate via Melbourne to the airline’s hub, Hamad International Airport, in Doha, which has consistently been voted the World’s Best Airport, as well as offering travellers a world-class stopover experience with seamless connections to more than 170 destinations across the Qatar Airways global network. The flights, commencing in December 2025, will be operated by Boeing 777 aircraft, featuring the airline’s award-winning Q-suite Business Class cabin* and complimentary high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi for all passengers. Qatar Airways ceased operations to Canberra during the global pandemic, making this announcement a significant milestone for the airline as it reconnects to the city, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and the surrounding regions. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “We are delighted to be able to serve Canberra once again. The nation’s capital, the political heart of Australia, rightly expects to be served by a range of international airlines, and I am proud that we are able to play our part in that. Whether travelling for business, government services or leisure, our commitment to Australia, and to Canberra, is one that we know will bring much needed healthy competition to the market and greater choice for passengers.” Canberra Airport CEO, Mr. Stephen Byron, highlighted the significance of the recommencement of services, highlighting its importance for the region. “The return of Qatar Airways marks an exciting and pivotal moment for Canberra and our surrounding regions. This service not only provides over a million residents access to a global network spanning more than 170 destinations but also …
Read More »Qatar Airways expands services to Canada with launch of flights to Toronto
Qatar Airways will launch a new service to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) starting on 11 December 2024, with three weekly non-stop flights from the World’s Best Airport – Hamad International Airport (DOH). As the airline’s fourteenth gateway to the Americas, the new Toronto route marks the airline’s second destination in Canada, joining Montréal which has served more than 1.6 million passengers across seven daily flights to and from Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) since its launch. Operated by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, equipped with 42 award-winning Qsuite Business Class seats and 312 Economy Class seats, the new Toronto service will provide travellers from Canada and beyond with seamless access to destinations across Qatar Airways’ extensive global network, including Colombo (CMB), Bangkok (BKK), Delhi (DEL), Kathmandu (KTM) and Mumbai (BOM). Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “The Toronto route is a strong and enduring commitment towards providing Qatar Airways’ Canadian customers with the enhanced connectivity they deserve, as well as access to our world-leading service and Qsuite in-flight product. “The addition of a fourteenth gateway to our Americas network is also a testament to our aim in maintaining a key presence across the local market, and cements our reputation as a reliable global connector.” The World’s Best Airline, as voted by Skytrax in 2024, has provided Canada with extensive support and assistance over the years, including contributing critical diplomatic efforts across several challenging issues. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Qatar Airways also assisted the country by establishing an air bridge to facilitate the repatriation of thousands of Canadians. Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 170 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport (DOH), and …
Read More »Qatar Airways Group announces intention to acquire 25% minority stake in Virgin Australia
The existing partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways will be strengthened with the announcement that Qatar Airways Group intends to acquire a minority 25% equity stake in Virgin Australia from Bain Capital (subject to FIRB approval). A deeper strategic relationship between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways will drive increased competition in Australian aviation. This will ensure Australian consumers have access to even better value airfares and greater choice. Domestic competition in Australia is dependent on Virgin Australia thriving through the inevitable ups and downs of aviation. Qatar Airways Group’s strategic investment will provide access to the critical scale and expertise of a world leading global airline. The minority stake also serves as a cornerstone investment ahead of an anticipated return of Virgin Australia into public ownership and the opportunity that would provide for Australians to share in Virgin Australia’s future. The equity investment by Qatar Airways Group will unlock new areas of cooperation with Virgin Australia, all of which will help to drive additional consumer and economic benefits. Subject to ACCC authorisation this cooperation will enable Virgin Australia to launch flights from Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney to Doha, connecting seamlessly into Qatar Airways’ global network. These extra flights will open up more than 100 new connecting itineraries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Australian travellers. The proposed wet lease services will begin in mid-2025, allowing Virgin Australia to assess the longer-term merits and viability of wide-body aircraft flying while providing Australians with greater local competition for their long-haul travel needs in the near-term. The expanded codeshare and collaboration arrangement will provide access to a greater range of international destinations with improved schedules and frequencies, increased earn and …
Read More »Qatar Airways launches four additional flights from Amsterdam to facilitate winter season demand
Qatar Airways is growing its operations in Amsterdam from 10 weekly flights to 14 with the launch of four additional weekly flights from Amsterdam starting 12 November 2024 until 29 March 2025. These 14 weekly flights will enable 40,000 additional passengers to travel between Amsterdam and Doha through its hub, Hamad International Airport (DOH). Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, said: “Qatar Airways is delighted to witness and serve the growing travel demand in the Dutch capital, which is an integral destination in our European network. We look forward to offering our world-class product and seamless service to travellers from Amsterdam seeking to experience the world through Qatar Airways’ extensive network of more than 170 global destinations.” With the additional flights, travellers will have more opportunities to soak up the winter sun at their favourite destinations including Bali (Denpasar), Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City. Amsterdam, also known as the city of historic canals, is one of the leading destinations for passengers travelling from Asia and Australia. Qatar Airways flights to Amsterdam (AMS) New winter schedule, starting 12 November 2024 The flights will depart every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday: · Doha (DOH) to Amsterdam (AMS) – Flight QR275: Departure 07:55; Arrival 13:00 · Amsterdam (AMS) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR276: Departure 15:20; Arrival 23:30 Existing winter schedule, starting 27 October 2024 The flights will depart daily as follows: Doha (DOH) to Amsterdam (AMS) – Flight QR273: Departure 08:15; Arrival 13:20 Amsterdam (AMS) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR274: Departure 15:05; Arrival 23:15 Departing every Monday, Friday, and Sunday: Doha (DOH) to Amsterdam (AMS) – Flight QR275: Departure 06:10; Arrival 11:15 Amsterdam (AMS) to Doha (DOH) – …
Read More »Qatar Airways expands network in Saudi Arabia with flight resumption to Abha and frequency increase to NEOM
Qatar Airways announced the expansion of its operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the resumption of services to Abha, operating two weekly flights to Abha International Airport, effective 2 January 2025. In addition, it will also increase its flights to NEOM from two to four weekly flights during the winter season. This schedule and network enhancement will provide passengers with greater travel choices and seamless access to Qatar Airways’ extensive network of over 170 global destinations through Doha’s Hamad International Airport, recently voted the World’s Best Airport by Skytrax 2024. Abha, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, marks Qatar Airways’ 11th destination in Saudi Arabia. This addition complements the airline’s existing service to cities of AlUla, Dammam, Jeddah, Medina, NEOM, Qassim, Riyadh, Tabuk, Taif, and Yanbu. With more than 140 weekly flights to the Kingdom, Qatar Airways reaffirms its commitment to enhancing connectivity within the region. Moreover, passengers travelling to NEOM will embark on a unique living experience in the ‘land of dreams’ as they will live and work in harmony with nature. Qatar Airways currently operates two weekly flights, which will be increased to four weekly flights starting this winter. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “We are proud to resume flights to Abha and increase frequencies to NEOM, further strengthening our presence in Saudi Arabia. This resumption is a testament to our unwavering commitment to connecting our passengers to the Kingdom’s highly coveted destinations. We look forward to welcoming both business and leisure travellers to experience the unparalleled service and connectivity that Qatar Airways offers through our Doha hub, Hamad International Airport.” Saudi Air Connectivity Program CEO, Mr. …
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