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Qatar Airways Reduces London Flight Schedule for Spring 2026
In a significant shift in its operational strategy, Qatar Airways has announced a reduction in flights to London for the upcoming spring season. The airline’s latest schedule update reveals a decrease of approximately 14% in outbound flights from both Heathrow and Gatwick airports, impacting travelers planning to fly between Doha and London.
Initially, Qatar Airways had slated 951 departures to London from April to June 2026. However, the updated schedule indicates only 818 flights will operate during this period. This reduction reflects a broader trend in the airline’s network adjustments, including the suspension of certain routes and a decrease in services to various destinations, including Manchester, Peshawar, and San Francisco.
Details of the Flight Reductions
To illustrate the changes, let’s examine the planned schedule for the week commencing May 1, 2026. Qatar Airways is expected to operate 59 weekly departures to London, down from the previously anticipated 70. This adjustment will see Gatwick offering 11 weekly flights, a cut from the double daily service initially planned. Similarly, services from Heathrow will be reduced to 48 weekly departures, a decrease of nearly 20% from 59 flights.
New Weekly Schedule
The new schedule for flights between Doha and London, effective May 1-7, shows the following:
| Route | Frequency | Aircraft Type |
|---|---|---|
| Doha to Heathrow | Daily | A380 |
| Doha to Gatwick | Daily | 787-9 |
| Heathrow to Doha | Five weekly | A350-900 |
| Gatwick to Doha | Daily | 787-9 |
Impact on Passengers and Market Dynamics
The reduction in flights may have broader implications for passengers, particularly those connecting through Doha. Data from the past year indicates that over 1.6 million Qatar Airways passengers traveling to or from London connected to other flights in Doha, averaging more than 4,300 connections daily. The top markets for these passengers include India, Pakistan, Australia, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia.
with British Airways, a fellow member of the Oneworld alliance, effectively covering the Doha route, there will be no changes to their offerings, ensuring that travelers still have options to consider.
Looking Ahead
As Qatar Airways adjusts its schedule, it will be essential for passengers to monitor updates, especially those with future travel plans to London. The airline’s reduced services from July to October are expected but will have less impact, with decreases projected between 3% to 5% during that period.
Qatar Airways’ decision to cut flights to London reflects shifting operational strategies within the airline industry. As travel dynamics continue to evolve, passengers are encouraged to stay informed of any further changes to flight schedules and to consider alternative routes where necessary. For the latest updates, travelers can check Qatar Airways’ official website or contact customer service.
We invite our readers to share their thoughts on these changes and how they may affect travel plans in the comments below.
