From October 31 this year, British Airways flights from the Qatari capital to Terminal 5 at London Heathrow will no longer go via Bahrain International Airport.
Instead, customers will be able to take advantage of direct flights on a Boeing 777 aircraft in four cabins of travel – First, Club World (British Airways’ business cabin), World Traveller Plus and World Traveller (British Airways’ economy cabin).
The new, direct Doha to London flights are a far cry from the BOAC services, which debuted almost six decades ago in 1959. In the late 60s, the airline’s route was serviced by a Bristol Britannia aircraft with passengers making stops in Beirut and Bahrain on the way to Doha. The total flying time was 13 hours and five minutes.
Paolo De Renzis, head of Middle East, Africa and Central Asia Sales for British Airways, said: “Our Qatar route has grown steadily in popularity over the past few years and the direct service – and the reduced flying time of seven hours and 20 minutes – will help connect our customers to London, mainland Europe, the US and further afield more quickly and more effectively.”
The launch of British Airways’ direct Doha to London flights are expected to further consolidate investment and business ties between the two nations. Hundreds of UK-based companies in industries ranging from construction to healthcare are contributing to the rapid development being seen in Qatar, which will host the FIFA 2022 World Cup.