Qatar Airways is expanding its global network for the 2026/2027 winter season, with increased flight frequencies across Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. The airline plans to serve more than 170 destinations and operate nearly 1,800 weekly flights across its network in December.
The updated schedule includes more flights to London, Phuket, the Maldives and Montreal, alongside the return of daily services to Zanzibar on October 25, 2026. Additional changes are planned for November, December and early 2027, giving passengers more options for winter holidays and international connections through Doha.
The changes form part of the airline's wider winter programme, announced in September, as it adjusts capacity to meet demand across its global network.
Qatar Airways Increases Flights to More Than 170 Destinations
Qatar Airways says its 2026/2027 winter schedule will cover more than 170 destinations across six continents. The airline plans to operate more than 186 weekly flights across its network, with nearly 1,800 weekly flight frequencies planned during December 2026.
Passengers will be able to connect through Hamad International Airport in Doha to destinations across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East.
The schedule includes additional flights on existing routes as well as the resumption of selected services. Individual routes will change on different dates, so passengers should check the airline's booking system for their exact travel dates.
More Flights to London and Frankfurt
European connectivity is increasing as Qatar Airways adds capacity on two important routes.
London Heathrow
From October 25, 2026, Qatar Airways plans to increase flights to London Heathrow from 49 to 56 per week. The airline says the change represents an 11 per cent increase in capacity.
The route is important for passengers travelling between the United Kingdom and Doha, as well as those connecting onward to destinations across the airline's global network. British Airways also operates a daily flight between London and Doha as a codeshare partner.
Frankfurt
From December 7, 2026, Qatar Airways plans to increase its Frankfurt service from 18 to 21 flights per week. The airline says this will add approximately seven per cent in capacity.
The additional flights will provide more departure options for travellers flying between Germany and Qatar, including passengers connecting through Doha to other international destinations.
Phuket and the Maldives Get More Flights
Two popular holiday destinations in Asia will receive significantly more Qatar Airways services from October 25.
Flights to Phuket, Thailand, are scheduled to increase from 14 to 21 per week. Services to Malé in the Maldives will also rise from 12 to 21 flights per week.
The increases will give travellers more choice when planning winter beach holidays, honeymoon trips and escapes from colder weather. Additional flights can also make it easier to choose departure dates that fit a holiday itinerary.
Passengers should compare the available flight times and connection durations before booking, particularly when travelling onward from Doha.
Daily Flights to Zanzibar Resume
Qatar Airways is scheduled to resume daily flights to Zanzibar, Tanzania, on October 25, 2026.
Zanzibar is known for its beaches, historic Stone Town and Indian Ocean coastline. The return of daily services gives travellers more flexibility when planning holidays in Tanzania and connections through Doha.
The airline is also planning to increase Johannesburg services from 14 to 18 flights per week from December 2, 2026. Later in the season, flights to Seychelles are scheduled to increase from four to seven per week from March 1, 2027.
These changes strengthen the airline's connections to destinations popular with leisure travellers and visitors travelling to see family and friends.
Montreal Flights Increase to Daily
In North America, Qatar Airways plans to increase flights to Montreal, Canada, from five to seven per week starting October 25, 2026.
The airline says the change represents a 40 per cent increase in seat capacity on the route. The additional service will give passengers more flexibility when travelling between Montreal and Doha, with onward connections available across Qatar Airways' network.
The route is particularly relevant for passengers travelling between Canada, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent.
Ho Chi Minh City Gets More Flights
Qatar Airways plans to increase services to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from seven to 11 flights per week starting November 7, 2026.
The change includes the return of four weekly nonstop flights between Doha and Ho Chi Minh City. The airline's existing service linking Doha, Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh will continue.
The additional flights are expected to provide more options for passengers travelling to Vietnam for tourism, business or onward travel within Southeast Asia.
Australia Connections Expand in December
Qatar Airways plans to resume daily flights to Canberra via Melbourne on December 9, 2026, reconnecting Australia's capital with its global network through Doha.
On the same date, the airline plans to increase Melbourne services from seven to 14 flights per week.
Virgin Australia is also scheduled to expand its Doha connections in December. Its planned changes include increasing Sydney–Doha services from seven to 14 weekly flights, resuming Brisbane–Doha flights at three per week, and restarting Perth–Doha services at four per week.
These services are expected to expand travel options between Australia and destinations served by Qatar Airways. Passengers should check which flights are operated by each airline and confirm the details of any connecting itinerary.
Four Saudi Arabian Destinations Return
The winter programme also includes the resumption of services to four destinations in Saudi Arabia, each planned to receive two flights per week.
- Al Qassim: services scheduled to resume October 25, 2026.
- Taif: services scheduled to resume October 31, 2026.
- Yanbu: services scheduled to resume January 2, 2027.
- Tabuk: services scheduled to resume January 3, 2027.
Qatar Airways says the additions will expand its Saudi Arabian network to 12 destinations, with more than 155 weekly flights across the country.
The returning routes will provide additional travel options for passengers flying between Saudi Arabia and international destinations through Doha.
Starlink Wi-Fi Continues to Expand
Alongside its route changes, Qatar Airways is continuing to expand Starlink in-flight connectivity across its widebody fleet.
The airline says more than 150 widebody aircraft are equipped with Starlink, supporting up to 340 Starlink-enabled flights per day. Availability depends on the aircraft assigned to a particular flight and operational arrangements.
Passengers who want to use the service should check the airline's latest onboard connectivity information before travelling.
What Travellers Should Know
The new winter schedule offers more choices for passengers planning trips to Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and Australia. The most immediate changes begin on October 25, including additional flights to London, Phuket, the Maldives and Montreal, as well as the return of daily Zanzibar services.
Other changes will be introduced progressively through December 2026 and into early 2027. Travellers should not assume that every increase or resumed service begins on the same date.
Before booking, passengers should confirm flight availability, operating dates, baggage conditions and connection times through the airline's official website or mobile app. Published schedules may change.
Official Source
Qatar Airways published the winter network expansion announcement on September 10, 2026. The full route details and booking information are available from the airline.
Qatar Airways – Official Winter 2026/2027 Network Announcement
Flight Travel News reports on airline network developments and travel updates. Route frequencies and operating dates are based on the airline's published announcement and may be revised.
