Qatar Airways today revealed that it offers the best global connectivity of any airline. The Qatari flag carrier will serve a total of 85 destinations by mid-September as it gradually re-adds routes to its network following the massive drop in passenger demand experienced in 2020.
Airlines across the globe are slowly rebuilding their route networks following up to six months of flight suspensions in some cases. For example, just this morning, Simple Flying reported that new week IAG’s LEVEL would return to flying between Barcelona and New York. However, one airline that never stopped flying was Qatar Airways.
The most global connectivity
Qatar Airways today revealed that it has more global connectivity than any other airline. The airline is rapidly resuming services as it aims to keep the world moving while other carriers remain grounded. Indeed, by Mid-September, the airline plans to operate over 650 flights each week to more than 65 destinations. With the option to change in Doha, many possible route combinations are available.
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In the first half of the month, the airline has a further five routes planned. These are:
- Houston (three weekly flights started September 2nd increasing to four weekly from September 15th)
- Kathmandu (one weekly flight starting September 5th)
- Mogadishu (three weekly flights starting September 6th)
- Philadelphia (three weekly flights starting September 16th)
- Sialkot (three weekly flights started September 1st)
While these new routes are being added, the Doha based airline is also adding frequencies to nine other routes. The highlights include two flights per day to New York and four flights a day from London Heathrow as of yesterday (September 1st).
Commenting, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said,
“We are proud to be the leading global airline connecting passengers with the world, operating one of the youngest, most fuel-efficient and sustainable fleets to take people safely to where they need to be. The gradual rebuilding of our network has been focused on strengthening connections between our hub in Doha and key gateways around the world.”
Never stopped flying
Qatar Airways never stopped operating flights around the world, even at the height of the current crisis back in April. However, it did significantly trim its network. While the airline is eyeing 85 destinations by the middle of the month, it was down to just around 30 in April.
The airline has been taking many measures to ensure passenger and crew safety onboard its aircraft. Cabin crew are required to wear full PPE onboard aircraft. Meanwhile, the airline is requiring passengers to wear both a facemask and a face shield while on the plane.
The airline had also played a key role in cargo transport. By mid-April, the airline had already transported 50,000 tonnes of Medical aid around the globe.
Have you flown on Qatar Airways since the current situation began? Let us know how you found it in the comments!