Key Highlights
- Qatar Airways cuts 14% of its London departures from April to June.
- The reduction is more pronounced at Heathrow than Gatwick.
- Heathrow will lose nearly a fifth of weekly flights, while Gatwick sees a decrease in double daily service.
- Over 1.6 million passengers connect via Doha each year for onward travel from London.
The Big Cut: Qatar Airways Adjusts Its Global Network
Qatar Airways, a key player in the global aviation industry, has announced significant changes to its flight schedule serving London. In what could be seen as part of a broader strategic realignment, the carrier is reducing the number of weekly departures from 951 between April and June by nearly 14% to just 818.
Heathrow vs Gatwick: A Tale of Two Airports
The reduction in Heathrow’s service is more pronounced, with a cut from 59 weekly departures to 48. This represents about a fifth of the total flights, signaling a substantial reallocation of resources or perhaps reflecting market conditions. At Gatwick, the changes are less dramatic but still notable, as the route shifts from double daily services to just eleven flights per week.
The Impact on Passengers and Partners
For Heathrow, this move could mean handing over some slots to British Airways (BA), which is closely aligned with Qatar through oneworld membership. Gatwick’s changes, while less severe, still affect the airport’s schedule and potentially impact local businesses that rely on these flights.
The Doha Hub: A Strategic Asset
Passengers connecting via Doha account for a significant volume of travel from London. Over 1.6 million passengers used Doha as a transfer point in the 12 months to November 2025, with over 4,300 connections daily at its peak. The top five country markets from and to London were India, Pakistan, Australia, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia.
The changes reflect Qatar Airways’ ongoing efforts to optimize its network for efficiency and profitability in a competitive market. As the airline continues to navigate the complex landscape of international travel, these adjustments are likely aimed at enhancing its global reach while maintaining its position as a key player in the aviation industry.
