As global air travel rebounds and tourism surges, Qatar Airways’ busiest routes in 2025 offer a fascinating window into the airline’s strategic vision and the evolving dynamics of international aviation.

Anchored at Hamad International Airport in Doha, the airline’s network spans 180 destinations across 86 countries-each route reflecting a blend of high-demand tourism corridors, regional connectivity, and smart aviation economics. Below, we explore each of the top 10 routes in detail, highlighting their significance, operational nuances, and broader impact on global mobility.

1. London Heathrow – Doha

• Weekly Seats: 21,924

• Flights: 8 daily (mix of Boeing 777-300ER, Airbus A350-900, and Airbus A380-800)

• Aircraft: 4 daily Boeing 777-300ERs, 2 Airbus A350-900s, 2 Airbus A380-800s (two- and three-class configurations)

Significance: The London–Doha corridor is the undisputed crown jewel of Qatar Airways’ network. With eight daily flights and nearly 22,000 weekly seats, it stands as one of the world’s busiest intercontinental routes. The route connects two global financial and cultural capitals, serving a diverse mix of business travelers, tourists, and transit passengers.

Its importance is amplified by London’s role as a gateway to Europe, and Doha’s position as a hub for Asia, Africa, and beyond. The deployment of flagship aircraft like the A380 ensures premium service and maximum capacity, supporting billions in trade, investment, and tourism revenue between the UK, the Gulf, and the wider world.

Operational Insight: The route is also served by British Airways, reinforcing its status as a critical international corridor. In January 2025, Qatar Airways operated 247 one-way flights to London Heathrow, using a diverse fleet including A350s, A380s, and Boeing 777s.

2. Bangkok – Doha

• Weekly Seats: 12,513

• Flights: 32 weekly (25 Boeing 777-300ER, 7 Airbus A380-800)

• Aircraft: Mix of two- and four-class Boeing 777-300ERs, daily A380-800 with first class

Significance: Bangkok’s status as Southeast Asia’s gateway city makes this route a cornerstone of Qatar Airways’ Asian network. It caters to both long-haul leisure tourists heading to Thailand and Southeast Asians connecting to Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

The route’s high capacity and frequency, including the A380, underscore its importance to both the airline and the Thai economy. It supports Thailand’s tourism industry, facilitates international trade, and is a vital conduit for labor migration and remittance flows.

Operational Insight: In January 2025, Qatar Airways operated 196 one-way flights to Bangkok, using a mix of A350s, A380s, and Boeing 777s.

3. Doha – Jeddah

• Weekly Seats: 10,952

• Flights: 5 daily (Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, Boeing 777-300ER)

Significance: Jeddah is a major commercial and religious hub, with high pilgrimage traffic and strong business demand. The route is critical for intra-Gulf connectivity and supports year-round religious tourism, especially during Hajj and Umrah seasons. It is also essential for business travelers, government officials, and expatriates, reflecting the growing economic integration within the GCC.

Operational Insight: The route is operated with a mix of widebody aircraft, ensuring flexibility and premium service.

4. Dubai – Doha

• Weekly Seats: 10,836

• Flights: 5 daily (widebody fleet: A350, 787-9, 777-300ER)

Significance: Despite its short distance, the Doha–Dubai route is among the busiest in the world, serving business travelers, expatriates, and connecting passengers. Dubai’s status as a global business, tourism, and logistics hub means the route is essential for supporting the region’s fast-growing economy. The use of widebody aircraft on such a short route is unique and underscores the high demand and premium service expectations.

Operational Insight: The route faces fierce competition from Emirates and Etihad, driving high frequencies and premium service.

5. Doha – Riyadh

• Weekly Seats: 10,647

• Flights: 5 daily (A350, 787-9, 777-300ER)

Significance: The Doha–Riyadh link is vital for government, business, and growing tourism flows between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, especially as regional relations improve. The route is essential for the large expatriate communities in both countries, facilitating family visits, business meetings, and cultural exchanges.

Operational Insight: The high frequency and capacity reflect the growing importance of this corridor in the broader GCC context.

6. Doha – Paris (CDG)

• Weekly Seats: 8,918

• Flights: 4 daily (Airbus A350-900, Boeing 777-300ER)

Significance: Paris is a major destination for both business and leisure travelers, maintaining strong demand for Qatar Airways’ premium services. The route supports billions in trade, investment, and tourism revenue between France and the Middle East.

Operational Insight: The use of modern, premium aircraft ensures world-class service and strong demand.

7. Colombo – Doha

• Weekly Seats: 8,001

• Flights: 4 daily (Boeing 787-9, 787-8)

Significance: This route is crucial for migrant workers, tourists, and business travelers, offering one-stop access to the Middle East, Europe, and North America. It supports labor migration and remittance flows between Sri Lanka and the Gulf.

Operational Insight: The high frequency and capacity reflect the importance of this corridor for both countries and the broader South Asian region.

8. Doha – Denpasar (Bali)

• Weekly Seats: 7,308

• Flights: 3 daily (2 Airbus A350-1000, 1 Boeing 787-8)

Significance: Bali’s global appeal as a leisure destination drives strong demand from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. The route is a major driver of inbound tourism to Indonesia, supporting local economies and international visitor numbers.

Operational Insight: The use of large, modern aircraft reflects the high demand and premium service expectations.

9. Doha – Singapore

• Weekly Seats: 6,748

• Flights: 3 daily (Airbus A350-900, A350-1000, Boeing 777-300ER)

Significance: Singapore is a vital business and transit hub, catering to both corporate and leisure travelers. The route is critical for maintaining the airline’s premium presence in Southeast Asia.

Operational Insight: The mix of aircraft types allows for capacity adjustments based on demand and seasonality.

10. Manchester – Doha

• Weekly Seats: 6,643

• Flights: 3 daily (2 Boeing 787-9, 1 Airbus A350-1000)

Significance: This route connects Northern England to Qatar Airways’ global network, offering seamless access to Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. It is particularly important for the large South Asian diaspora in Northern England, facilitating family visits, business meetings, and cultural exchanges.

Operational Insight: The high frequency and use of modern, premium aircraft reflect the airline’s commitment to serving the UK market beyond London.

Broader Context and Industry Trends

• Hub Strength: Hamad International Airport’s record passenger numbers and rising point-to-point traffic underscore Doha’s growing prominence as both a transit and destination hub.
• Fleet and Capacity: Qatar Airways operates a fleet of over 200 aircraft and is negotiating further orders to boost annual passenger capacity from 50 million to 80 million by 2030.
• Economic Resilience: Despite a slight decline in passenger numbers and aircraft movements in early 2025, the airline and its hub remain resilient, with strong load factors and premium service offerings.
• Competitive Landscape: Intense competition in the Gulf region and beyond drives innovation, high service standards, and frequent route expansions.
• Passenger Mix: The busiest routes serve a dynamic mix of business travelers, tourists, migrant workers, and religious pilgrims, reflecting the airline’s role as a global connector.

Qatar Airways’ top 10 busiest routes in 2025 are a microcosm of its global strategy: connecting major cities, supporting regional mobility, and offering premium service across diverse passenger segments. With a modern fleet, ambitious expansion plans, and a resilient hub, the airline is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in international aviation and continue shaping the future of global travel.

Riyadh Air, the Saudi Arabian startup airline backed by the Public Investment Fund, has expressed its willingness to purchase Boeing aircraft originally intended for Chinese airlines, should those deliveries be blocked due to the intensifying trade war between the United States and China.

CEO Tony Douglas stated at the Arabian Travel Market conference in Dubai that the airline had made it clear to Boeing that it would be ready to take all available jets if China’s suspension of Boeing deliveries persists, a move prompted by reciprocal tariffs between the two economic giants.

China recently ordered its airlines to halt the acceptance of new Boeing jets in response to the U.S. imposing tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese imports. In retaliation, Beijing levied 125% duties on American goods, including aircraft, making Boeing jets financially unviable for Chinese carriers. This standoff has left dozens of Boeing planes undelivered, with some already repatriated to the United States, and has prompted Boeing to seek alternative buyers in a tight global jet market.

Riyadh Air, which plans to launch operations later this year, has been rapidly expanding its fleet and workforce. The airline has already placed orders for up to 72 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 60 Airbus A321neo jets, and intends to announce an additional wide-body aircraft order this summer.

With nearly 500 employees hired and plans to double its staff within a year, Riyadh Air aims to capitalize on regional demand, particularly within the Gulf Cooperation Council, and is positioning itself as a key player ready to absorb aircraft sidelined by global trade tensions.

Riyadh Air is making headlines with its ambitious expansion plans, having recently secured 11 strategic agreements during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai. These partnerships will allow the airline to extend its operations to 125 countries, marking a significant milestone in its growth trajectory.

Collaborations with established entities such as DNATA, Discover the World Momentum, Aviareps, and Satguru Representation Services aim to enhance the airline's global footprint and streamline travel experiences for customers.

Osamah Alnuaiser, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Riyadh Air, stated that these agreements reflect the airline's commitment to becoming a true global player. “These partnerships will push the boundaries of travel for our guests and reinforce our determination to offer exceptional service,” he noted.

The focus will be on improving customer experiences across key regions including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australasia, and Africa, showcasing the rich hospitality that Saudi Arabia is known for.

In addition to enhancing connectivity, Riyadh Air is also focused on technological innovation. The airline has partnered with Loyalty Juggernaut to develop a next-generation loyalty program, which will utilize advanced analytics to deliver personalized rewards and engagement opportunities for travelers. This initiative is aimed at fostering customer loyalty and enhancing overall satisfaction.

Furthermore, Riyadh Air is working with major travel technology distributors like Amadeus and Sabre to implement cutting-edge retail solutions that will streamline the booking process. These technological advancements are intended to modernize the airline's digital strategy and improve the overall customer journey.

As the airline gears up for its inaugural flight later this year, it plans to connect Riyadh with over 100 international destinations by 2030. This ambitious goal aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify the economy and significantly boost the tourism sector.

The establishment of Riyadh as a major global aviation hub is expected to attract millions of visitors, contributing to economic growth and positioning the country as a vital player in the international travel market.

In summary, Riyadh Air is poised to transform the landscape of air travel with its extensive partnerships and innovative strategies, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's commitment to becoming a global tourism destination.

Qatar Airways is reportedly preparing to place a substantial order for about 100 widebody aircraft from Boeing, with the possibility of securing options for an additional 100 jets, according to a detailed Bloomberg report. This significant purchase is expected to be officially announced during U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the Middle East, underscoring the deal’s importance both commercially and politically.

The order will primarily feature Boeing’s newest widebody models, including the 777X and 787 Dreamliner, which are designed to enhance long-haul operational efficiency, passenger comfort, and overall fleet modernization.

The Boeing 777X, available in the 777-8 and 777-9 variants, offers seating capacities ranging from approximately 395 to 426 passengers in a typical two-class layout, with impressive ranges of up to 8,745 nautical miles for the 777-8 and 7,285 nautical miles for the 777-9. This aircraft incorporates cutting-edge technology such as advanced aerodynamics, composite wings with folding wingtips, and the latest GE9X engines, resulting in fuel savings and emissions reductions of around 10% compared to previous models.

Additionally, the 777X boasts a wider cabin with larger windows, higher ceilings, and improved cabin pressurization and humidity, all contributing to a more comfortable passenger experience.

Currently, Qatar Airways operates a fleet that includes 64 Boeing 777s and several 787 Dreamliners, both recognized for their spacious interiors, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, and premium business class offerings like the Qsuite. The 787 variants provide business class seats that convert into fully flat beds up to 80 inches long, personal entertainment screens, onboard Wi-Fi, and innovative features such as electronically dimmable windows.

The 777 series accommodates up to 42 business class seats and nearly 400 economy seats, delivering a high level of comfort and amenities for travelers.

This forthcoming order will allow Qatar Airways to phase out older 777s and Airbus A380s, supporting the airline’s ambitious plan to boost its annual passenger capacity from 50 million to 80 million within the next five to six years. By investing in the latest aircraft technology, Qatar Airways aims to maintain its status as a leader in long-haul travel with one of the most modern and efficient fleets worldwide.

If finalized, this deal would represent one of the largest widebody aircraft purchases in recent history and reinforce Boeing’s position in the competitive global aviation market.

Qatar Airways is ramping up its transcontinental reach, unveiling major expansions to its North and South American routes this summer. The airline will boost its service to Toronto, Canada and São Paulo, Brazil in response to surging demand for international travel.

Starting June 19, Toronto will see an increase to five weekly flights, with plans for daily service by winter. Just days later, on June 25, São Paulo frequencies will rise to 17 flights per week, enhancing the airline’s footprint in South America’s largest city.

Thierry Antinori, Qatar Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the strong passenger response since the carrier’s launch at Toronto Pearson Airport in December 2024. “We proudly announce the increase in flights to meet the growing demand for our award-winning travel experience,” Antinori said.

With Toronto emerging as a vital entry point for Canadian travelers, Qatar Airways’ expanded schedule aims to bolster connectivity to Doha and onward destinations, especially ahead of the busy winter season.

In the south, São Paulo’s status as a strategic hub for both business and leisure is being reinforced. “These expansions underscore our commitment to providing seamless global connectivity through Hamad International Airport,” Antinori noted, referencing the Doha-based hub recently crowned World’s Best Airport Shopping by Skytrax 2025.

Travelers will also benefit from continued access to 55 Latin American destinations through the airline’s partnership with LATAM Airlines, offering smooth onward journeys to cities like Buenos Aires, Lima, Santiago de Chile, and Rio de Janeiro.

With its latest boost in flight frequencies, Qatar Airways is positioning itself as a premier bridge between the Middle East and the Americas — just in time for a global summer of travel.

 Emirates is strengthening its footprint in China with the launch of daily non-stop flights to Hangzhou, marking a strategic expansion into one of Eastern China's key economic hubs.

Starting July 30, subject to government approval, the Dubai-based airline will begin servicing Hangzhou daily, bringing its total number of gateways into mainland China to five. The new route adds to Emirates’ existing operations in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.

With this latest addition, Emirates will operate 49 weekly flights to China — including double daily services to Beijing and Shanghai, and daily flights to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and now, Hangzhou.

The move comes as Emirates SkyCargo continues to report robust demand from China, currently transporting around 2,000 tons of cargo weekly. The airline confirms that all routes into the country are operating at full capacity, reflecting the strong rebound in freight movement even as passenger traffic has yet to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels.

Beyond cargo, the new Hangzhou service is expected to enhance connectivity for travelers heading to or from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South America. The flight schedule is designed to offer smooth two-way connections to 38 destinations in Europe, 22 in Africa, and 11 in the Middle East, including major cities such as Istanbul, Barcelona, Cairo, and Johannesburg.

Earlier this year, Emirates became the first Middle Eastern carrier to launch flights to Shenzhen, underlining its commitment to China’s vast and dynamic aviation market. Industry analysts say this latest expansion signals the airline’s confidence in the long-term potential of Chinese outbound travel — and its determination to be at the forefront of that growth.