Qatar Airways to launch flights to Cardiff, Wales

Qatar Airways has unveiled plans to launch direct daily flights to Cardiff, Wales from 1 May 2018.

The new service between Doha and Cardiff will be served by Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, with 22 seats in Business Class and 232 seats in Economy Class.

On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, flight QR321 is scheduled to depart Doha (DOH) at 7.25 a.m. to arrive in Cardiff (CWL) at 12.50 p.m. The return leg QR 322 will depart Cardiff at 3.55 p.m. and arrive back in Doha at 12.50 a.m. the following day.

On Tuesday, Thursdays and Sundays, QR323 will leave Doha at 1.15 a.m. and arrive in Cardiff at 6.40 a.m. The return flight, QR324, will take off from Cardiff at 8.10 a.m. to arrive in Doha at 5.05 p.m.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of our new route to the Welsh capital. Many travellers currently fly to and from London using ground transport between London and Cardiff, and the launch of the direct service 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.”

Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is one of the most compelling tourist destinations in the UK. It has countless museums and exhibitions, a thriving music scene and world-class sporting events regularly on show at Principality Stadium.

Cardiff Airport Chief Executive Officer Deb Barber, said: “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 daily service. The service opens up a world of connectivity for our customers to destinations across Australia, New Zealand, Africa and Asia ... More than 1.4 million passengers per year from the region 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.”

Qatar Airways currently serves London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh, with Cardiff to be the airline’s fifth destination in the UK.