Qatar Airways returns to Birmingham Airport after more than three years - on the eve of British Grand Prix

Qatar Airways returned to Birmingham Airport (BHX) today (July 6) more than three years since withdrawing its services.

Passengers can now fly from Birmingham airport and connect with the world on a daily flight, via Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar. The Hamad International Airport is connected to more than 160 destinations giving Birmingham passengers a chance to see more of the world throughout the summer.

The airline is operating one flight a day, 7 days a week, to and from Birmingham Airport throughout this summer. The flights are operated with a Boeing 787-800 Dreamliner aircraft with 254 seats: 22 in Business Class and 232 in Economy Class.

The return of Qatar Airways is a boost for the economy for the region and a great experience for business and leisure travellers. The airlines was recognised as the World’s Best Business Class for the tenth time, as well as World’s Best Business Class Lounge, World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining and Best Airline in the Middle East at the Skytrax 2023 World Airline Awards 2023. It was the tenth win in the World’s Best Business Class category.

The BHX has had a busy week after welcoming other airline services like Saudia and Emirates - which has brought the biggest aircraft the Airbus 380 - from the Middle East.

Supporting Silverstone Grand Prix

The Qatar Airways Group has reported a strong financial performance as the Official Airline of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and now as F1 partner, it’s return will ensure passengers can reach Silverstone Circuit- the home of British Motor Racing which is only an hour away from Birmingham - easily.

Former F1 driver David Coulthard, who also attended the event, said: “It’s exciting to see Qatar Airways – Formula 1®’s new Global Airline Partner – back at Birmingham, with the West Midlands region boasting a rich automotive history and on the doorstep of Britain’s F1® heartland.

“Nearby F1® team bases include Alpine, Aston Martin, Mercedes, Red Bull and Williams, meanwhile Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull base is next door to Birmingham Airport. Now the UK’s keen F1® fans will be able to fly Qatar Airways from Birmingham to Grand Prix events all over the world thanks to the airline’s large network.”

What Qatar Airways said

Gary Kershaw, UK & Ireland Country Manager, Qatar Airways, told BirminghamWorld: “What delayed us is the lack of aircraft in certain destinations. Birmingham has always been the top priority for us to fly back to in the UK. We are particularly excited about the difference in Birmingham, the dynamics of the West Midlands. We have a really good mix of leisure and business travel.”

He added: “Of the 160 destinations Qatar Airways flies out of Doha, 110 are relevant for this market.”

What Birmingham Airport boss said

Nick Barton, Chief Executive, Birmingham Airport, said: ““We are thrilled to see Qatar Airways back here in the West Midlands, a region currently on a strong trajectory of growth. We are home to six million people contributing to an economy the size of Hungary’s and currently boasting Britain’s strongest foreign direct investment and job creation performance outside London and the Southeast.

“Daily flights to and from Doha will be well subscribed by customers travelling for business, leisure and family purposes. While for some Doha, with its iconic Hamad International Airport, is a destination in and of itself, others will head on to destinations in Qatar Airways’ impressive global network, which includes Australasia, Africa, Asia, North and South America.”

What West Midlands Mayor said

Andy Street, West Midlands Mayor, said: “We all know how important global connections are to the West Midlands economy, so I am delighted that Qatar Airways has returned to Birmingham Airport.

“The daily direct flights to Doha and beyond to Qatar Airways’ vast global network, are not only a big economic boost to the region as our global ties grow, but they’re also a significant vote of confidence in the future of the West Midlands.”

Extra features on Qatar Airways

To celebrate, the airways is giving up to 12% off, with 40kg baggage allowance on selected destinations, when using the promo code FLY2023 on your next adventure. They have a range of features like Economy Reserve, Preferred Seat, Lounge Access and more for their passengers.

Privilege Club, the Qatar Airways loyalty programme, members now have the ability to access Qatar Airways Group using the Avios currency for payment in Qatar Duty Free, Discover Qatar, and Qatar Holidays, in addition to the existing list of leading global brands.