Qatar Airways to launch daily direct flights to Sydney from March 2016

Qatar Airways has announced daily direct services from Doha to Sydney starting from March 1, 2016, to cater to increasing demand on the route.

The announcement comes after the Australian government said last week that it had agreed with Qatar to boost flight capacity between the two countries by 50 per cent.

The changes allow for up to 21 flights per week, each way, for airlines from both the countries.

Qatar Airways already operates daily non-stop flights to Melbourne and Perth with a total of 14 services each week, making Sydney the carrier’s third Australian city.

The route will be operated by a Boeing 777-300 aircraft with the flight from Doha departing at 20:10 and arriving in Sydney at 18:05 (next day). The return flight will leave Sydney at 22:20 and arrive in the Qatari capital at 05:05 (next day).

Qatar Airways group chief executive Akbar Al Baker said: “The expansion of our Australia services will undoubtedly boost and strengthen the trade and commercial links that exist between Qatar and Australia, setting the stage for even more robust partnership opportunities in the near future.”

Sydney Airport managing director and CEO Kerrie Mather added: “The new daily service will significantly boost inbound tourism to New South Wales as well as create an estimated 3,000 jobs, including 2,500 in NSW, and contribute over $240m to the Australian economy.

“Qatar Airways’ service will also provide greater air cargo access to the Middle East and the growing Qatar market, which is great for NSW exports.”

In a statement last week, Australian trade minister Andrew Robb said increased capacity to Qatar would offer Australian exporters more market access to the region.

“Airline connectivity plays a vital role in growing Australia’s premium agricultural trade of fresh products like dairy, horticulture and meats,” he said.

“The Australian government remains committed to removing barriers to trade and ensuring that we have the aviation capacity necessary to meet future demand,” he added.

According to estimates, bilateral trade between Qatar and Australia reached around $850m in 2014.