Qatar becomes aggressive over European flight expansion

Qatar Airways is to increase its flights to key European capital cities as part of an aggressive expansion programme.

Following the recent decision to add three flights on the Doha–Paris route from October, Qatar Airways is adding capacity to Madrid, Athens and Stockholm routings – representing a near 40 per cent increase in frequency across the four cities.

The Spanish capital Madrid will see an increase in the number of flights from the current four-a-week to daily, effective December 2, which marks the fourth anniversary of Qatar Airways’ launch on the route. Qatar Airways is the only airline flying between the Gulf region and Spain.

The Athens route, launched in June 2005, is currently being served daily. Capacity is to rise over a five-month period beginning in October, with an eventual increase to double daily services from March 2010.

Stockholm will see its first frequency increase since flights to the Swedish capital were launched in November 2007 with the addition of one extra weekly service every Thursday, beginning October 25.

Also beginning October 25, the start of the Northern Winter schedules, the Paris route will see capacity rise from 11 to 14 flights a week offering passengers the option of a double daily service for the first time.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the additional frequencies demonstrated the airline’s commitment to offer passengers greater choice. “We are constantly looking at ways to offer our passengers improved levels of service, more choice and more connections across our global network,” he said.

“Europe is one of our most important regions representing around 20 per cent of our global coverage. With almost 40 per cent increase in frequency across four European capital cities from the start of the winter flying season in October, Qatar Airways is opening up greater opportunities to travel on business or leisure. “While many airlines are cutting back capacity in the current economic conditions, we strongly believe on building capacity to meet the needs of the travelling public, both in the short-term and long-term.”