Qatar Airways in talks to restart Cardiff flights this year

The Gulf carrier, which started flying to the Welsh capital in 2018, shelved its Cardiff-Doha route more than three years ago during the onset of Covid-19. However, the BBC reports the link could be reinstated by the end of the year.

It follows a meeting between Alun Cairns, MP for Wales’s Vale of Glamorgan constituency, home to Cardiff airport, and Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker.

In a Facebook post entitled Qatar Airways confirm plans to return to Cardiff airport, Cairns said the carrier was planning to restart its Cardiff-Doha route for the first time since 2020. "I recently met with group chief executive HE Akbar Al Baker to discuss their future plans," said Cairns.

"Qatar Airways flies to more than 160 destinations worldwide through their Doha hub and I am hoping that this will provide a big boost to our local airport that has suffered in recent times. I am grateful to his excellency for his commitment to restarting flights between Cardiff and Doha."

Spencer Birns, Cardiff airport chief executive, confirmed to the BBC discussions were ongoing, adding he expected to hear about Qatar’s planned start dates "soon". The route would open up a wide range of onward connections from Doha.

Separately, Cairns said he hoped Qatar’s return would prove "a big boost" for Cardiff airport, which has struggled to attract new carriers. Earlier this year, Wizz Air confirmed it would be closing its base at Cardiff less than a year after launching it.