The Qatar Airways winter schedule will expand connectivity across more than 170 destinations, adding flights and restoring key international routes.
DOHA: The Qatar Airways winter schedule is getting a major expansion, with the airline preparing to serve more than 170 destinations during the 2026-2027 season and adding capacity across Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East.
The expansion includes the return of daily Zanzibar flights from October 25, 2026, and daily Canberra services via Melbourne from December 9. Qatar Airways says it is planning nearly 1,800 weekly frequencies by December as it increases options through its Doha hub.
Some of the biggest increases will be seen on popular leisure routes. Phuket will rise from 14 to 21 weekly flights from October 25, while Malé in the Maldives will increase from 12 to 21 weekly services.
Ho Chi Minh City will move from seven to 11 weekly flights from November 7, including the return of four direct weekly Doha-Ho Chi Minh City services. Kuala Lumpur will receive 18 Qatar Airways flights each week from October 25.
Australia will also gain significant additional capacity. Alongside Canberra’s return, Melbourne will increase from seven to 14 weekly Qatar Airways flights from December 9. Partner Virgin Australia is also set to expand Doha connectivity from Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.
European travellers will see more options too. London Heathrow services will increase from 49 to 56 flights per week from October 25, equivalent to eight daily Qatar Airways services. Frankfurt will rise from 18 to 21 weekly flights from December 7.
In Africa, Johannesburg will increase from 14 to 18 weekly flights beginning December 2. Seychelles services are scheduled to rise from four to seven flights per week from March 1, 2027.
The Middle East is another major focus of the Qatar Airways winter schedule. The carrier plans to resume four Saudi routes, beginning with Qassim on October 25 and Taif on October 31. Yanbu follows on January 2, 2027, with Tabuk returning the next day.
Each of the four destinations will initially receive two weekly flights, taking Qatar Airways’ Saudi network to 12 destinations and more than 155 weekly services.
The airline is also expanding its Starlink-equipped fleet. Qatar Airways says more than 150 widebody aircraft are now equipped, enabling up to 340 Starlink-connected flights per day across its network.
For passengers, the changes mean greater choice on several high-demand business and leisure routes, while Doha’s Hamad International Airport gains additional connecting traffic between continents.
Impact to expect
The expansion should give travellers more flight choices across several major routes while strengthening Doha’s position as a connecting hub for journeys between Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia and the Americas.
