Qatar Airways launches daily B787 flights to Cardiff, Wales

Qatar Airways has launched flights between Doha and Cardiff, the capital city of Wales.

To celebrate the special occasion, the airline flew one of its Airbus A350-900 aircrafts to Cardiff, the wings of the aircraft were made in Wales, but will normally operate the daily service with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in a two-class configuration featuring 22 seats in Business Class and 232 seats in Economy Class.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker said: “This new service, our fifth gateway into the UK, now provides the people of Wales and the South West [of England] with an extensive network of more than 150 destinations globally. We are delighted to welcome Cardiff into our route network and to be able to provide the Welsh people with a new gateway to the world. We look forward to welcoming our new Welsh passengers on board and to connecting them to Doha and many points beyond.”

Qatar Airways currently serves London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh, with service to London Gatwick set to commence on 22 May.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said: “The first direct flight from Cardiff to Qatar plugs Wales straight into an area of massive investment and an airport with 150 onward destinations around the world. This is the fast track for Welsh companies doing business in the Gulf. Qatar is the UK’s third largest export market in the Middle East and accounts for £35 billion of existing investment. Passengers disembarking from the first direct flight from Doha to Cardiff will get the unmistakable message that Wales is open for business.”

The First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones said: “I am delighted to welcome the first Qatar Airways flight from Doha to our capital city, Cardiff. The new direct 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.”