Behind the scenes at Qatar Airways: An inside look at passenger numbers, new aircraft and winter schedules

Qatar Airways is gearing up for the upcoming winter travel season and expanding its operations. CEO Hamad Ali Al-Khater reported that passenger numbers have rebounded to about 90-95% of last year's levels. The Doha-based airline has had to adapt its services following regional disruptions, which included the temporary suspension of flights in February. Now, British Airways is back to flying daily direct flights from London Heathrow to Doha.

Al-Khater stated that Qatar Airways is set to receive new long-range aircraft by the end of the year, along with a new cabin configuration. This will enable the carrier to reach destinations further away and open up opportunities to fly to secondary airports that were previously economically unfeasible. Over the next five years, 138 new aircraft will be added to the Qatar Airways fleet, with a new generation of the airline's Qsuite business class product slated for a summer 2027 unveiling.

The airline expects to expand its global network to over 170 destinations during the 2026-2027 winter season. This includes an increased London Heathrow service from 49 to 56 weekly flights, starting on 25 October, and additional flights to Frankfurt from 7 December. In Europe, Qatar Airways aims to increase its London Heathrow service from 49 to 56 weekly flights starting on 25 October.

The airline is also planning to expand its network in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East, with 186 weekly flights planned.

Qatar Airways' operations at Hamad International Airport involve a vast operation, covering aircraft maintenance, customer service, ground operations, and inflight offerings. The carrier's large Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) center oversees testing, enhancement, and upgrades to its fleet, as well as technical capabilities.

The center currently services up to 80 engines at any given time, with a single engine costing around $20-40 million. Starlink connectivity, which enables high-speed internet on board, is another key feature for the airline. Qatar Airways operates 150 Starlink-equipped widebody aircraft, which is 83% of its connectivity ambitions.