Business Treaveler logo

Travel news, reviews and intel for high-flyers

Qatar Airways Boosts International Network, Inks Deal With Formula 1

The Doha-based airline will add 655 flights to its schedule and title sponsoring three Formula 1 Grand Prix this season

by Matteo Legnani

March 8, 2023

Photo: Courtesy of Qatar Airways

On the opening day of ITB Berlin—a tourism fair held in the German capital—Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker unveiled the opening of seven new destinations, the resumption of service to 11 more cities, and additional frequencies from Doha on 35 routes worldwide.

According to Al Baker, Qatar Airways will add over 655 weekly flights to its summer schedule compared to last year’s network, with all-new flights launching to Chittagong, Juba, Kinshasa, Medan, Trabzon, Lyon, and Toulouse.

In addition, Al Baker and company plan to resume flying to eleven destinations suspended during the pandemic: Beijing, Birmingham, Buenos Aires, Casablanca, Davao, Marrakesh, Nice, Osaka, Phnom Penh, Ras Al-Khaimah, and Tokyo Haneda.

Photo: Courtesy of Qatar Airways

“Qatar Airways is dedicated to enriching the global community which it serves. As the World’s Best Airline, we are excited to offer more ways of bringing the world together, increasing connectivity, and bridging gaps within the travel industry,” said Al Baker.

“As we expand our fleet, network, partnerships, and international presence, we look forward to working together to deliver sustainable growth and a compelling future for the industry.”

Qatar Airways: New Formula 1 Title Sponsor

The Doha-based carrier and Liberty Media, the owner of Formula 1, announced a multi-year partnership with Qatar Airways as the first global airline partner and sponsor of three Formula 1 Grand Prix races this year.

Qatar Airways will sponsor three races this season: the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix, the Qatar Airways Gran Premio del Made in Italy e dell’Emilia-Romagna, and the Qatar Airways Hungarian Grand Prix.

Photo: Courtesy of Qatar Airways

“As the pinnacle of motorsport, it makes sense for Formula 1 to partner with a global leader in aviation like Qatar Airways. We are two brands committed to delivering the best experience to our fans and customers, and our combined reach globally makes this a perfect match,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1. “We also share a passion for technology and innovation, particularly as we all work together for a greener future.”

As noted by Formula 1, the airline will offer fans the chance to buy a limited number of travel packages to select Grands Prix. Fans can purchase return flights to a Grand Prix destination and race tickets in one package.

At its booth at ITB Berlin, Qatar Airways welcomes all guests with a thrilling Formula 1 sports car simulator experience and a virtual tour of the newly expanded Hamad International Airport terminal, called The Orchard.

“We continue to look forward to our bright future here in Qatar, with multiple projects lined up for 2023 and beyond, such as the Formula 1 partnership. Qatar will continue to be a global hub of connectivity and an ideal destination for tourism long after the great success of the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” said Al Baker.