Qatar Airways to fly to Birmingham, UK

It is thought that the airline will launch operations from three UK airports, with two remaining unnamed at present.

Qatar Airways currently operates five services a day from Heathrow and ten a week from Manchester to its base at Doha. 

A Birmingham Airport spokesman said: "We welcome the announcement from the chief executive of Qatar Airways to commence services between Doha and Birmingham Airport and we are always pleased to discuss growth opportunities with existing and future airline customers.” 

Analyst Saj Ahmad commented: "Qatar Airways decision to start flights to Birmingham is not just a boon for the airport, but it will arguably give passengers better choice and prices when flying to the Middle East and beyond. At present, Emirates pretty much Birmingham Airport all to itself using 777-300ERs. Qatar Airways plans to deploy the revolutionary 787-8 on this route, but while no dates have been announced for any inaugural flight, customers will likely be keeping close watch so they can keep their option open when flying to the GCC and beyond. 

“Having displayed its 787-8 at this month's Farnborough Air Show, Qatar Airways will look to build on this PR success to expand its UK operations having previously exited Gatwick, which is also rumoured to be back on the radar along with other candidate cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh.” 

Ahmad concluded: “Qatar Airways, like it other Arabian rivals have made no secret of the fact that the UK market is highly lucrative for them, and with Emirates plying their trade to Birmingham virtually unopposed, any new services from Doha will be a welcome revenue boost to Birmingham Airport - particularly when the airport is looking at ways to expand its operations as a result of greater traffic."