Qatar Airways Inaugurates Kolkata Link

Qatar Airways has widened its passenger flight network in India further with the launch of daily non-stop scheduled services from Doha to Kolkata, the city formerly known as Calcutta. It now offers 95 passenger flights per week between Qatar and India, serving 12 different destinations in the country, as well as twice-weekly freighter services to Kolkata, one of six Indian cargo destinations.

Kolkata, capital of West Bengal state in eastern India, is the country’s third largest city with a metropolis population of over 15 million people. It is also the commercial capital of eastern India taking advantage of its lucrative location on the Hooghly River, and is regarded as the country’s cultural and intellectual capital. Kolkata also once served as the capital city of India.

Home to a rich mix of creeds and cultures, Kolkata boasts colonial buildings, monuments, elegant buildings and India’s only tram system – the oldest operating electric tram in Asia – reflecting the days of the British ruling India. And, with excellent connections from Europe, Middle East, Africa, United States and Canada, Qatar Airways’ newest passenger route is expected to appeal to expatriates returning to Kolkata, as well as the international business community having strong commercial links with the city and surrounding areas.

“The introduction of our latest destination has been well timed to coincide with the busy holiday season as families travel to and from India, one of our most important markets,” said Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Airways. “As our 12th Indian gateway, the addition of Kolkata demonstrates Qatar Airways’ commitment to one of the world’s fastest growing economies with India’s rapid pace of development prompting the need for more flights to serve rising demand for air travel to and from the country.