Qatar Airways is pleased to announce that it will launch direct daily flights to Cardiff starting 1 May 2018, making the award-winning airline the first Gulf carrier to service Wales and Southwest England.
Cardiff is a strategically important destination for Qatar Airways as it opens up a new portion of the United Kingdom to the airline, as well as allowing more people to visit the great city of Cardiff from the Gulf and even further afield. Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is one of the most compelling tourist destinations in the UK, with countless museums and exhibitions, a thriving music scene and world-class sporting events regularly on show at the Principality Stadium.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker said that the new route to the Welsh capital will allow passengers to fly directly from Wales and the Southwest to Doha and beyond for the first time.
We look forward to offering both business and leisure travellers this convenient connection to Cardiff and points beyond.’
Rt Hon Carwyn Jones, the First Minister of Wales said that the daily service between Cardiff and Doha is a huge boost for Wales.
It will open up Wales’ links with the rest of the world and deliver new economic, leisure and travel opportunities for Welsh businesses and the people of Wales. Providing a direct route into the world’s fastest growing hub airport, Hamad International Airport, will also bring Wales closer to leading global markets such as India, China, Singapore and Australasia.’
Cardiff Airport Chief Executive Officer Deb Barber said he was immensely proud that Qatar Airways recognises the potential that exists within the region and chosen Cardiff Airport to operate a daily service. He said that the service opens up a world of connectivity for their customers to destinations across Australia, New Zealand, Africa and Asia.
More than 1.4 million passengers from the region annually travel to destinations that are available on the Qatar Airways network – 90% of these passengers are currently travelling from London airports, which emphasises just how much demand exists within the market. We look forward to developing our fruitful relationship with Qatar Airways over the coming months and to the start of this exciting new route in May 2018.’
The route was first announced earlier this year and is a transformative one for Cardiff Airport, as it will open up the Gulf region for passengers from South Wales and Southwest England for the first time. Travellers to and from Australia and Southeast Asia are also set to benefit from the daily long-haul flights via Doha.
The new service between Doha and Cardiff will be served by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Qatar Airways currently serves London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh, with Cardiff to be the airline’s fifth destination in the UK.
Flight Schedules:
Doha (DOH) to Cardiff (CWL) QR 321 Departs 7:25 am Arrives 12:50 pm (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat)
Cardiff (CWL) to Doha (DOH) QR 322 Departs 3:55 pm Arrives 12:50 am (+1) (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat)
Doha (DOH) to Cardiff (CWL) QR 323 Departs 1:15 am Arrives 6:40 am (Tue, Thu, Sun)
Cardiff (CWL) to Doha (DOH) QR 324 Departs 8:10 am Arrives 5:05 pm (Tue, Thu, Sun)
For more information about Qatar Airways’ flight destinations, visit their website at qatarairways.com.