Qatar Joins Forces With Australia And More, Expands Winter Flights As Global Travel Demand Recovers

Qatar Airways is preparing for a substantial expansion of its international network for the 2026–2027 winter season, with services planned to reach more than 170 destinations worldwide. The Doha-based airline is set to operate nearly 1,800 weekly flights by December 2026, strengthening connections between major tourism markets across Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East. The expansion includes resumed routes, additional frequencies and the restoration of services that had previously been reduced or suspended.

For travellers, the enlarged schedule is significant because Doha serves as a major international connecting point between Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Americas. Increased frequencies on popular leisure and business routes are expected to provide additional scheduling choices for passengers planning winter holidays, long-haul journeys and connecting itineraries. Destinations including Phuket, Malé, Ho Chi Minh City, London, Frankfurt, Melbourne and Montréal are among the markets receiving additional capacity, while Canberra is set to return to the network.

Qatar Airways Strengthens Its Global Winter Schedule

The airline’s winter expansion reflects a broad strategy to increase capacity across markets where international travel demand remains important. By December, the planned schedule is expected to bring the network to more than 170 destinations and nearly 1,800 flights each week.

The expansion is spread across several regions rather than being concentrated on a single market. This approach gives travellers more options when planning international journeys through Doha, while also increasing connectivity for destinations that rely on international visitors.

Africa will receive several notable additions. Daily flights to Zanzibar are scheduled to resume from 25 October. Johannesburg will increase from 14 to 18 weekly services from 2 December, while Seychelles is scheduled to rise from four to seven weekly flights from 1 March 2027.

These changes could be particularly relevant for leisure travellers seeking winter sun, beach holidays and wildlife experiences. Zanzibar, Johannesburg and Seychelles serve different tourism segments, ranging from coastal escapes to city breaks and island holidays.

Asia Pacific Gains More Flights For Winter Travel

Asia Pacific is another major focus of the expanded schedule, with additional capacity planned for several established holiday destinations.

Phuket is scheduled to increase from 14 to 21 weekly flights from 25 October. The additional services come as Thailand remains an important destination for international leisure travel, particularly during the northern hemisphere winter.

Malé in the Maldives will also rise from 12 to 21 weekly flights. The increase provides additional travel opportunities for passengers heading towards one of the world’s most recognised island holiday destinations.

Ho Chi Minh City is scheduled to receive 11 weekly flights from 7 November, compared with seven previously. The increase includes the return of four weekly non-stop services from Doha, providing a more direct travel option for passengers between Qatar and Vietnam.

Kuala Lumpur will be served by 18 weekly Qatar Airways flights, while Malaysia Airlines will continue to operate 14 weekly services between Kuala Lumpur and Doha.

Australia Connectivity Receives A Major Boost

Australia is also set to benefit from the winter network changes. Qatar Airways plans to return to Canberra on 9 December with daily flights operating via Melbourne.

Melbourne frequencies are expected to double from seven to 14 weekly flights. The increase provides passengers with more departure choices and strengthens Melbourne’s role within the carrier’s Australia network.

Virgin Australia is also expected to expand services to Doha from Sydney, Brisbane and Perth from December. Together, the changes create additional options for travellers moving between Australia and the Middle East, Europe and other destinations accessible through Doha.

For long-haul passengers, frequency can be an important factor when selecting an itinerary. More weekly services can provide greater flexibility for holiday planning, business travel and connecting journeys, particularly when travellers need to coordinate multiple flights.

London And Frankfurt Receive Additional Capacity

European connectivity will also increase during the winter season. London Heathrow is scheduled to rise from 49 to 56 weekly Qatar Airways flights from 25 October.

The expansion means the carrier will operate eight flights a day between Doha and London Heathrow on average during the relevant schedule period. British Airways is also expected to maintain a daily service between London and Doha, supporting a substantial level of connectivity between the two cities.

Frankfurt will increase from 18 to 21 weekly flights from 7 December. Germany’s major financial and aviation centre is an important destination for both corporate and leisure travellers, making additional capacity relevant to passengers travelling between Germany, Qatar and onward international markets.

The changes underline the continuing importance of major European gateways within global airline networks during the winter travel season.

North America And The Middle East See Further Expansion

In North America, Montréal is scheduled to increase from five to seven weekly flights from 25 October. The change represents a 40 per cent increase in seat capacity on the route.

The additional capacity gives passengers travelling between Canada and Doha more scheduling flexibility and may also support connecting traffic between Canada and destinations across Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

The airline is simultaneously restoring services to four destinations in Saudi Arabia. Twice-weekly flights are planned to return to Qassim, Taif, Yanbu and Tabuk.

With those services restored, the airline’s Saudi Arabian network is expected to cover 12 destinations and more than 155 weekly flights.

The expansion demonstrates the continuing importance of regional connectivity in the Middle East, where passengers often use major hubs to connect between cities that do not have direct international services.

Passenger Recovery Supports Network Growth

The winter expansion follows a period of disruption affecting regional aviation earlier in 2026. Qatar Airways Group chief executive Hamad Ali Al-Khater said passenger numbers had recovered to around 90 to 95 per cent of the previous year’s levels, while Hamad International Airport was handling more than 140,000 passengers each day.

The figures provide context for the carrier’s decision to restore and increase services. Higher passenger volumes can support additional frequencies, although actual schedules remain subject to operational and commercial conditions.

For travellers, network expansion does not automatically mean lower fares or greater availability on every date. Ticket prices and seat availability can vary according to demand, booking timing, aircraft deployment and seasonal conditions.

Starlink Connectivity Expands Across The Fleet

Network expansion is being accompanied by continued investment in onboard connectivity. More than 150 of the airline’s widebody aircraft are reported to be equipped with Starlink connectivity.

The technology is intended to provide high-speed internet access during flights, supporting passengers who want to remain connected while travelling long distances.

The airline is also preparing for further fleet growth, with 138 new aircraft expected to join its fleet over the next five years. Fleet expansion can support both the introduction of new routes and the growth of existing services, although individual aircraft assignments can change according to operational requirements.

What The Expansion Means For Winter Travellers

The expanded winter schedule offers travellers a wider range of flight frequencies across several major tourism corridors. For passengers planning holidays in Thailand, the Maldives, Vietnam, Australia, Europe, Canada, Africa or the Middle East, additional services can provide more choices when arranging international journeys.

The strongest changes are concentrated around destinations with established international demand. Phuket and Malé receive substantial increases, while London, Melbourne and several other major gateways gain additional capacity.

The broader network also reinforces Doha’s role as a connecting hub. Travellers who cannot find direct flights between their origin and destination may have additional one-stop options through Qatar.

However, passengers should check the final timetable before booking because airline schedules can change. Seasonal operations may also differ depending on aircraft availability, airport conditions and wider aviation developments.

Qatar Airways Positions Doha At The Centre Of Winter Connectivity

The 2026–2027 winter expansion represents a broad increase in international connectivity rather than a single-route development. With more than 170 destinations and nearly 1,800 planned weekly flights, Qatar Airways is increasing capacity across multiple continents while restoring selected services.

For the travel industry, the changes provide additional international links during a major seasonal period. For passengers, the practical impact will be seen in the availability of flight times, connections and onward travel options.

As winter approaches, the combination of additional frequencies, returning routes, expanding partnerships and continued aircraft investment is expected to shape the airline’s international network through the 2026–2027 season.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many destinations will Qatar Airways serve during winter 2026–2027?
Qatar Airways plans to operate flights to more than 170 destinations during the 2026–2027 winter season.

2. How many weekly flights will Qatar Airways operate?
The airline plans to operate nearly 1,800 weekly flights by December 2026.

3. When will Qatar Airways resume flights to Zanzibar?
Daily Zanzibar services are scheduled to resume from 25 October 2026.

4. Will Qatar Airways increase flights to Phuket?
Yes. Phuket is scheduled to increase from 14 to 21 weekly flights from 25 October 2026.

5. Are Qatar Airways flights to the Maldives increasing?
Yes. Services to Malé are planned to rise from 12 to 21 weekly flights from 25 October 2026.

6. Is Qatar Airways returning to Canberra?
Yes. Daily services to Canberra are scheduled to return on 9 December 2026 via Melbourne.

7. Will Qatar Airways increase flights to London?
Yes. London Heathrow is scheduled to increase from 49 to 56 weekly Qatar Airways flights from 25 October 2026.

8. Which Canadian city is receiving more Qatar Airways flights?
Montréal is scheduled to increase from five to seven weekly flights from 25 October 2026.

9. Will Qatar Airways restore flights to Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Twice-weekly services are planned to return to Qassim, Taif, Yanbu and Tabuk.

10. How many Qatar Airways aircraft are equipped with Starlink?
More than 150 of the airline’s widebody aircraft are reported to have Starlink connectivity.