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.

Bahrain has swiftly enacted a remote work policy affecting 70% of government employees, a move prompted by escalating regional tensions and security concerns. The Civil Service Bureau (CSB) announced that this measure, effective immediately and until further notice, applies to all ministries and government agencies except for sectors that require physical presence due to the nature of their duties or emergency protocols.

The remaining 30% of staff, primarily in essential and emergency services, will continue to report to their workplaces to ensure uninterrupted delivery of critical public services.

This decision comes as part of Bahrain’s broader strategy to safeguard public health and safety while maintaining the continuity of government operations amid ongoing instability in the region. Ministries and agencies have been instructed to coordinate internally to ensure smooth workflow and operational efficiency under the new arrangement.

The CSB emphasized that the remote work directive aligns with national safety measures and will be continually assessed as the situation evolves, with further guidance to be provided as necessary.

Bahrain has been adapting to more flexible work models in recent years, supported by robust technological infrastructure and evolving labor practices. Employers are expected to clearly define remote work terms, ensure data security, and provide necessary equipment and IT support to remote staff.

The government’s proactive approach in activating remote work underscores its commitment to minimizing risks to employees and the public during periods of heightened caution, while leveraging advanced connectivity and digital tools to sustain essential services

The UK Foreign Office has issued a new travel advisory warning of potential disruptions due to escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran. The warning highlights the risk of rapid escalation and security threats across the wider region, which could lead to short-notice airspace closures, flight delays, cancellations, and other unexpected travel impacts.

Travelers are advised to:

• Monitor local and international media for the latest updates
• Stay vigilant and follow instructions from local authorities
• Check with airlines for current flight information before traveling

This alert comes as airlines suspend flights to the UAE and other Middle Eastern destinations amid rising tensions. American Airlines has suspended its only Middle East route, Flight AA120 between Philadelphia and Doha, Qatar, citing safety concerns. The suspension is in effect until June 22, with several flights already cancelled on June 18, 19, and 20.

United Airlines has also halted daily flights between Newark Liberty International Airport and Dubai as of June 19, stating it will resume service "when it’s safe," without specifying a return date. Passengers flying to the UAE are strongly advised to verify their flight status with their airline before departure.

The ongoing conflict has led to widespread airspace closures and airport shutdowns in the region. Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport remains closed indefinitely, and Iran has suspended flights to and from Khomeini International Airport. Neighboring countries including Iraq, Jordan, and Syria have also closed their airspace, causing major disruptions to international flight routes.

Travelers should prepare for potential delays and rerouted flights, with some airlines diverting flights through alternative hubs such as Vienna, Jeddah, or Frankfurt. The UK Foreign Office continues to monitor the situation closely and urges all travelers to exercise caution and stay informed as the situation develops.

Major international airlines are continuing to divert their flights to avoid Middle Eastern airspace after the recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, escalating regional tensions and disrupting global air travel.

Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 shows that airlines including United Airlines and American Airlines are steering clear of high-risk zones encompassing Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Israel. Instead of the usual direct routes, flights are now detouring north over the Caspian Sea or south through Egypt and Saudi Arabia. These longer paths increase fuel consumption, crew expenses, and overall operating costs for airlines.

The rerouting follows a series of military escalations beginning June 13, when Israel launched retaliatory strikes against Iranian targets. The situation intensified after the U.S. conducted coordinated airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan using advanced bunker-buster bombs. These strikes, described by President Trump as “completely obliterating” Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities, have heightened fears of further conflict and retaliation.

In response to the volatile security environment, airlines have suspended flights to several Middle Eastern destinations. American Airlines halted services to Qatar, United Airlines paused flights to Dubai, and Israel’s main carriers El Al, Arkia, and Israir have suspended both commercial and rescue flights until at least June 27.

 Israel has closed its airspace, though land borders with Egypt and Jordan remain open, leaving tens of thousands of travelers stranded. The Israeli Tourism Ministry is facilitating their departure through alternate routes such as transit via Amman or ferry services to Cyprus.

The ripple effects extend beyond flight disruptions. Several countries have initiated evacuation efforts for their citizens. Japan successfully evacuated 21 people from Iran overland to Azerbaijan, marking its second such operation in recent days. New Zealand announced plans to deploy a Hercules military transport aircraft to the region to assist with potential evacuations.

Aviation safety organizations like Safe Airspace have warned of increased risks to commercial flights operating near the conflict zones, urging caution as missile and drone attacks continue to threaten the region. Airlines are now treating airspace over multiple Middle Eastern countries as restricted, even those not directly involved in the conflict, impacting long-haul flights connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa.

The U.S. strikes have triggered a complex political fallout. While some U.S. politicians praised the military action, others criticized it for bypassing congressional approval. Iran has vowed “everlasting consequences” and retains capabilities for missile retaliation, potentially targeting U.S. military bases and critical energy transit routes like the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes.

Recent Iranian missile salvos targeting Israeli cities underscore the risk of sustained regional escalation.
This evolving crisis has forced airlines worldwide to balance operational challenges with passenger safety amid one of the most volatile periods in Middle Eastern aviation history.

Israel’s main international airport, Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, has been closed for over six days, marking the longest shutdown in Israel’s 76-year history due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. The closure began shortly after Israel launched strikes on Iranian military and nuclear enrichment sites on the night of June 12-13, 2025, prompting the closure of airspace across the Middle East.

The airport’s shutdown has created significant travel disruptions, stranding thousands of Israeli citizens abroad and foreign visitors in Israel. Israeli flag carrier El Al was authorized on June 17 to operate recovery flights to bring citizens home. The airline reported its first repatriation flights landed on June 18 and announced that over 70,000 people had registered for these flights.

Recovery flights are being gradually operated from destinations including Larnaca, Paphos, Budapest, Athens, Milan, Rome, and London (Luton), subject to government approval.

The closure follows an intensification of military operations in the region. Israeli airstrikes targeted key Iranian nuclear and military sites, including a centrifuge manufacturing workshop in Isfahan province and military installations in Shiraz and Khuzestan province. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed strikes on Iran’s Natanz nuclear site, noting no radiological consequences.

Iran retaliated with multiple missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem, resulting in casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.

The conflict has escalated to include proxy groups such as Hezbollah and the Houthis, who have launched attacks on Israeli territory. The United States has been involved in defensive operations, shooting down Iranian missiles and drones, and on June 21, it conducted strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, further intensifying the conflict. President Donald Trump has reviewed military options but has delayed further action, awaiting Iran’s response to diplomatic pressure.

Major international airlines, including U.S. carriers Delta and United, have suspended flights to Israel due to the airspace closure and security concerns. The last full closure of Ben Gurion Airport was on October 1, 2024, following a missile attack from Iran, but the current shutdown is unprecedented in length and impact.
Israeli authorities have indicated preparations to resume outbound flights with strict passenger limits, prioritizing humanitarian and security-related travel.

The airspace was temporarily reopened on June 22 to facilitate repatriation flights, reflecting ongoing efforts to restore normalcy amid the conflict.

This prolonged airport closure underscores the severe disruption caused by the Israel-Iran conflict, which has rapidly escalated since mid-June 2025, involving extensive military strikes, drone activity, missile barrages, and international diplomatic maneuvers. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation affecting regional stability and global security.

 

Continuing its comprehensive repatriation operation, the Sultanate of Oman has successfully completed the fourth phase of its evacuation plan, welcoming 294 Omani citizens back from the Islamic Republic of Iran via the Republic of Turkiye. This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing national efforts coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, relevant Omani authorities, and Oman’s diplomatic missions abroad.

The fourth phase follows earlier successful stages, including the second phase which saw 245 citizens return via Bandar Abbas port, and the third phase which facilitated the safe transit of 193 Omanis from Bandar Abbas to Khasab port, alongside 158 nationals of other countries transiting through Oman. Additionally, 155 Omanis and other nationals were evacuated by air from Iraq, reflecting the Ministry’s multi-route evacuation strategy.

The Ministry expressed deep appreciation for the integrated efforts of all involved, particularly the support teams, field committees, and the constructive cooperation with Turkish authorities, which ensured the smooth and safe execution of this phase. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to continuing subsequent phases of the evacuation plan through ongoing coordination with relevant parties inside and outside Oman to guarantee the safe return of all citizens.

With this phase, the total number of Omani citizens repatriated from Iran has risen to 1,188, while the number of other nationals whose return was facilitated stands at 281. These figures highlight Oman’s humanitarian approach and its strong coordination with brotherly and friendly nations during a complex regional situation.

The evacuation operations are part of a broader regional and international response amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, where over 20 countries including the UAE, Bahrain, India, Japan, and the United States have accelerated efforts to repatriate their nationals from Iran and Israel. Oman’s efforts are aligned with these global humanitarian initiatives, emphasizing diplomacy and safety.

Looking ahead, the Ministry is already implementing the fifth phase, which recently saw 181 Omanis and other nationals evacuated from Mashhad, Iran, via Turkmenistan, arriving safely at Muscat International Airport. The Ministry continues to work closely with its missions abroad and relevant authorities to complete all remaining phases of the repatriation operation.

Oman’s evacuation plan reflects a comprehensive, multi-route approach involving land, sea, and air corridors, including transit through neighboring countries such as Turkey, Iraq, and Turkmenistan. This strategy ensures flexibility and maximizes the safety and efficiency of the repatriation process amid ongoing regional instability.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges all citizens still in Iran to remain in contact with Omani diplomatic missions and follow official guidance to facilitate their safe return.

For continuous updates on the evacuation plan and other official announcements, please follow the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Oman’s official communication channels.