VALE MP Alun Cairns has been informed that Qatar Airways plan to return to Cardiff Airport by the end of the year.
Mr Cairns met His Excellency, Akbar Al Baker in Doha to discuss Qatar Airways future plans and Mr Al Baker confirmed the return. Mr Cairns is also the chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Qatar and has been in regular contact with the airline and Qatar Authorities since the service was withdrawn at the start of the Covid pandemic.
The Airline is looking to restart its Cardiff to Doha route for the first time following a dispute with Airbus which left them short of aircraft. Mr Cairns said that prior to the pandemic, 25 per cent of passengers who travelled specifically between Qatar and Wales were travelling for business and the return of these passengers will boost the economy.
Qatar Airways is Headquartered in the Qatar Airways Tower in Doha. The airline flies to over 150 international destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania from Hamad International Airport, using more than 200 aircraft. The Qatar Airways Group is reported to employ more than 43,000 people.
Alun Cairns MP travelled to Doha as part of the Qatar Economic Forum (21st-23rd May) as part of a cross-party group of MPs to discuss Qatar-UK relations, amongst other subjects.
Mr Cairns said: “I was delighted to meet His Excellency, Akbar Al Baker in Doha and discuss how important the Airline is for Wales and the Welsh economy. I am grateful to him for his commitment to restarting the flights. This is a vital connection to the Middle East and beyond. I was lucky enough to be The Secretary of State for Wales when I first discussed the ambition for a daily flight in 2017. This was when I first met Mr Al Baker and we have worked together ever since.
“The pandemic clearly had an impact on the airline industry, but I am hopeful that with the return of Qatar Airway’s to Cardiff, this will provide a big boost to the airport that has suffered in recent times.
“I believe that the resumption of this service will provide new opportunities in the Gulf. Flights from Cardiff to Doha helps our entrepreneurs straight into one of the most dynamic economies in the Middle East, and an airport which offers a further 160 global destinations.”
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