Qatar Airways, one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, achieved yet another milestone yesterday as it launched daily flights between Doha and Barcelona – its 90th destination.
With the touchdown of flight QR067 in Barcelona, where the aircraft was welcomed by a dramatic water salute and met by senior airport officials and local dignitaries, the airline reinforced its position as the only Gulf carrier flying to Spain.
Barcelona is Qatar Airways’ second city served in Spain, after Madrid, and is expected to receive great response from leisure and business travellers alike. The new route underscores a growing commitment by the airline to the Spanish market following earlier capacity increases to the country’s capital city of Madrid last year.
As Spain’s second largest city, Barcelona is a popular tourist centre on the Mediterranean coastline. It is home to one of Europe’s main ports and has a thriving economic base due largely to its importance in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts and international trade. According to official tourism data, 52 million tourists visit Spain every year, making it one of the most visited countries in the world.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said that as a result of Spain’s escalating demand for air travel combined with the great popularity of the country among travellers from the Middle East and Asia, the Doha-based airline has steadily built up its presence in Spain. |