Qatar Airways has connected passengers in Wales and the South West to over 160 destinations worldwide since launching at Cardiff Airport in May 2018.
The airline is celebrating its first anniversary connecting business and leisure customers from Cardiff Airport with destinations around the world.
Over the past year, the airline?s regular service to Doha has been part of the 7% jump in overall passenger numbers from Cardiff. Some of the most popular network destinations include Qatar, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka.
To mark the occasion, the airline staff surprised some passengers with birthday cupcakes.
From May 30, the airline will operate daily flights between Cardiff and Doha for the summer season, allowing passengers to travel to far-flung destinations including Australia and New Zealand in under 24 hours.
Gary Kershaw, country manager (UK & Ireland) for the airline, said: ?We?re proud to be in Wales and are excited at the strong start to our partnership with Cardiff Airport. It?s a hugely exciting time for Qatar Airways. The demand from our UK destinations has never been stronger. That?s why this summer we?re providing our highest ever number of connections between the UK and the rest of the world.
?We want to thank Cardiff Airport and the Welsh Government for their continued support, as we look to offer new and exciting routes and destinations to customers across Wales and the South West.?
Deb Barber, CEO of Cardiff Airport, added: ?It?s hard to believe that we have reached this remarkable one year milestone already.
?The introduction of a regular service between Cardiff and Doha has opened up a world of connectivity for customers across Wales and the South West of England. Direct flights to Qatar Airways? hub in Doha creates onward connections to destinations across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and many more, all without the hassle of having to drive down the M4 to fly from London airports. This service has also re-affirmed Cardiff Airport as a key gateway to the United Kingdom, ideal for visitors, international students, business travellers and ex-pats alike.?
Ken Skates, minister for economy and transport, commented: ?Since being purchased in 2013, Cardiff Airport has gone from strength to strength and has achieved a 60% increase in passenger numbers. The number of destinations has increased significantly, and the launch of a scheduled daily long-haul Qatar Airways service puts Wales more firmly on the world stage, in terms of attracting both business trade and travellers. Customers continue to demonstrate increasing confidence in the airport and its services.?
Visit www.qatarairways.com to find out more.
