Doha, Qatar - Qatar Airways is set to enhance its operations and expand its network in Germany by adding services to more destinations, such as Stuttgart. The airline currently serves major cities including Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Berlin, and Munich. According to Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori in an interview with Airliners.de, Qatar Airways operates under an Air Services Agreement that allows the airline to expand amidst industry constraints faced by competitors like Emirates, which is limited to four German destinations.
The evolution of relations between Germany and Qatar dates back to 1973 when both nations established diplomatic ties. The first direct flights began in the late 1990s, marking Qatar Airways' inaugural German service to Frankfurt in 1998. Over the years, the airline has expanded its reach within Germany, adding services to Munich in 2005 and Berlin in 2008. Interestingly, Lufthansa operated flights to Doha between 1993 and 2017 before ceasing service due to stiff competition from Gulf carriers.
As a testament to its growth aspirations, Qatar Airways aims to increase its Doha-Berlin route frequency by three flights per week, taking the total to 21 weekly flights. However, like many airlines, it grapples with challenges stemming from delayed aircraft deliveries. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) highlighted that, by the end of 2024, the global order backlog had reached a staggering 17,000 aircraft, which at current production rates could take an estimated 13.5 years to clear.
Looking ahead, Qatar Airways is preparing to receive 50 new narrow-body A321neo aircraft starting next year, of which ten will be long-range versions intended to support its expanding German network. Thierry Antinori emphasized that the introduction of these narrow-body planes would allow for greater flexibility when capitalizing on new routes. This strategic move aims to reduce commercial risks compared to utilizing larger aircraft such as the 787 or A350 in launching new markets.
As the airline looks to bolster its services in Europe, it also plans to meet the increasing travel demand projected for 2025 by launching additional flights to major locations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. With current operations extending to over 170 destinations worldwide through its hub at Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways is positioning itself to offer passengers greater flexibility and more seamless travel experiences.
The London Heathrow route, for instance, will see an increase from 49 weekly flights to 56, while flights on the Amsterdam route will rise from 7 to 11. Similarly, routes to Larnaca, Cyprus, and Madrid will also expand, boosting the frequency from 7 to 10 and 14 to 17 respectively. Significantly, the joint operations between Qatar Airways and Spain's flag carrier, Iberia, will increase from 21 to an impressive 24 weekly flights.
Beyond Europe, the airline is enhancing its services to the Middle East and Asia, with weekly flights from Doha to Damascus, Syria set to increase dramatically from 3 to 14. Furthermore, flights to Sharjah in the UAE will rise from 21 to 35, and Tokyo's Narita Airport will see its weekly operations grow from 11 to 14. In Africa, Qatar Airways is also scaling its flights, increasing service to Dar Es Salaam from 3 to 7, to Entebbe from 7 to 11, to Maputo-Durban from 5 to 7, and to Tunis from 10 to 12 weekly flights.
Antinori noted that these expansions reflect Qatar Airways' commitment to boosting global connectivity, enhancing passenger travel experiences, and solidifying Doha as a prominent international travel hub. He stated, “The new additions further reflect our commitment to fostering worldwide connectivity and elevating passengers’ travel experience with our award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport.” The ongoing effort to launch seasonal gateways is poised to revolutionize the airline’s operational capacity while effectively handling the surging demand for air travel in the upcoming peak seasons.
With these ambitious plans, Qatar Airways continues to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of international travel, as it adapts to new challenges and opportunities. Whether through expanding its German routes or increasing frequencies to destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, the airline’s strategies underscore its dedication to delivering quality service and meeting the needs of travelers worldwide.
