Qatar Airways is set to commence a new year-round service from Doha to Cardiff starting this summer.
Effective from May 1, 2018, Qatar Airways will be the first airline to offer daily flights between Doha and Cardiff, offering connecting services between the Welsh capital and other destinations globally via Qatar Airways’ network. The new route will be inaugurated using the latest Airbus A350-900 aircraft, and will later be served using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: ‘The launch of our new service to Cardiff is a major milestone for Qatar Airways. It makes sense that the inaugural flight that welcomes Qatar Airways to Wales is on the A350-900, as the wings of this very plane are built at the Airbus plant in Broughton, North Wales. The new service will connect the Welsh people with more destinations globally and provide them the opportunity to experience our unparalleled five-star service. We look forward to welcoming our new passengers on board and to connecting them to Doha and points beyond.’
Deb Barber, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, added: ‘On behalf of the team at Cardiff Airport, I am immensely proud that world-class airline Qatar Airways has recognised the potential that exists within the region and chosen Cardiff Airport to operate a regular service to Doha from May 1st. The service opens up a world of connectivity for our customers in Wales and South West England to destinations across Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Asia and beyond.
‘I am also very excited that Qatar Airways has chosen to mark the inaugural flight with the use of the A350-900. This is fantastic recognition of the aircraft’s links with Wales and the engineering prowess that we have here, and we very much look forward to welcoming this stunning aircraft to Cardiff Airport as part of the huge celebration when the new route begins in just a few weeks’ time.’
The new service will depart Cardiff at 15:55 hours, arriving Doha at 00:45 (+1) on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. On return, the flight will depart Doha at 07:25 hours, arriving Qatar at 12:50 hours on these days. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, the flight will depart Cardiff at 18:10 hours, arriving Doha at 17:00 hours; on return, the flight will depart Doha at 01:15 hours and arriving Cardiff at 06:40 hours.
Following the inaugural flight, the new service between Doha and Cardiff will be served by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner that features 22 seats in Business Class, offering passengers direct aisle access with its 1-2-1 configuration, and 232 seats in Economy Class.
Qatar Airways currently serves London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh, with services to London Gatwick to commence on May 22, 2018.
