Qatar Airways commences services between Edinburgh and Doha

Qatar Airways, the award-winning five-star airline based in Qatar has commenced direct services between Edinburgh and Doha. The inaugural flight landed into Edinburgh International Airport at 13:15 received a traditional welcome of water cannon salute, the classic sound of Scottish bagpipes and a gathering crowd within the airport terminal.

This new flight services to Edinburgh is now become the airline’s 141st global destination and will significantly reduce journey times for those travelling from Edinburgh to locations around the world. Qatar Airlines will now fly five times a week from Scottish capital to Doha. The Middle Eastern carrier is using Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner and offers connectivity to more than 120 destinations. Edinburgh Airport describes the launch as a historic day for Edinburg and Scotland.

In the words of Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, the inaugural flight to Doha from Edinburgh marks the first direct link from Edinburgh to the Middle East and it means Scotland’s capital is finally connect with Asia, Australia and China. A direct link to Doha will not only enhance trade and cultural links but will truly reaffirm Edinburgh Airport as where Scotland meets the world.

According to Humza Yousaf, Scotland’s Minister for External Affairs, Scotland and Qatar are both strong oil and gas producing countries and their relationship with Scotland has continued to strengthen over recent years. The service between Edinburgh and Doha will help to build up this important link and promote Scotland as a great place for business. The service will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Each flight will take less than seven hours.