Qatar Airways expands UK and Ireland summer flight schedule

Qatar Airways is increasing flight frequencies across key UK and Ireland routes as it restores “a significant proportion” of its previous capacity.

 

News of the extra services comes as the Doha-based airline rebuilds its global network following the Middle East conflict and the return of demand.

 

The UK Foreign Office has relaxed its guidance for Gulf destinations including the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, following the signing of a peace agreement between the US and Iran.

 

The FCDO no longer advises against all-but-essential travel to the region in a move which will come as a significant relief to the trade.

 

From this week, Qatar Airways is doubling capacity from Edinburgh from seven to 14 flights a week.  

 

Gatwick flights will rise from four to seven per week, while Heathrow increases from 42 to 49 a week.

 

Flights from Dublin will go up from 14 to 17 per week.

 

Services also continue from Manchester (21 per week) and Birmingham (seven per week).

 

More: FCDO relaxes guidance for travel to Gulf region

 

Former BA executive takes up newly created role at Qatar Airways

 

Qatar Airways is now operating from 41 airports across the UK and Europe, following resumptions at Prague, Zagreb, Brussels, Lisbon, Budapest, Oslo, Belgrade and Dusseldorf.

 

Globally, Qatar Airways will operate to more than 160 destinations this summer via its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport.

 

It said average load factors across the UK and Europe are rising by 3-5% week-on-week, signalling “strong and accelerating demand”.

 

The carrier also highlighted emerging travel trends, with Japan is emerging as a “breakout” leisure destination.

 

Qatar Airways will resume flights to Tokyo Haneda from July 15, increasing to daily flights from August 1, giving UK travellers more opportunities to travel to the Japanese capital.

 

The carrier also reported a “notable shift” away from traditional VFR (visiting friends and family) routes for summer travel, such as India and Pakistan, towards premium leisure destinations, including Australia, Thailand and Japan.

 

“The data signals a broader rebound in discretionary long-haul travel, as UK travellers prioritise experiences and bucket-list destinations,” said the airline.