Qatar Airways and British Airways have launched a major expansion of their London–Doha flight schedules for the winter 2025 season, starting at the end of October. This move brings up to five Qatar Airways flights departing from London Heathrow within just 35 minutes during the morning rush, a record for the route. The change gives travelers more options, increases competition, and brings new challenges for airport operations and airline alliances.
The new schedule means Qatar Airways now runs up to 10 daily flights from London Heathrow to Doha, up from eight last year. British Airways continues to operate two daily flights on the same route, working closely with Qatar Airways as both airlines are part of the oneworld alliance. This partnership allows them to share flights and coordinate schedules, making it easier for passengers to connect between the two airlines.
Peak morning departures from Heathrow now include five Qatar Airways flights within 35 minutes:
– 08:05 (A350)
– 08:25 (777)
– 08:35 (A380)
– 08:40 (A350)
– Plus, an additional 08:40 departure from Gatwick
This tight cluster of flights is designed to help travelers catch connecting flights in Doha, especially to Asia, Africa, and Australia. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this strategy helps both airlines offer more choices and better connections for passengers, especially those using frequent flyer points.
Gatwick’s service has been reduced from 14 to 10 weekly flights to allow for more flights at Heathrow. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways has also increased flights from Manchester to Doha to 24 per week and from Dublin to Doha to 17 per week. These changes reflect growing demand for travel between the UK, Ireland, and Qatar.
Flight duration between London and Doha is about 6 hours and 45 minutes to 7 hours. All Qatar Airways flights from London Heathrow depart from Terminal 4, which is known for its modern facilities and lounges.
Why This Expansion Matters
This expansion is possible because of Qatar Airways’ record-breaking order of 160 new Boeing 787 and 777-9 aircraft in May 2025. These new planes allow the airline to add more flights and serve more passengers. Thierry Antinori, Chief Commercial Officer of Qatar Airways, said, “Qatar Airways is consistently witnessing a steady rise in demand for our five-star services to some of the most prominent destinations in the world, most notably for London, Dublin, Cape Town, and São Paulo.”
For travelers, this means:
– More flight choices and flexibility when planning trips
– Better chances to use Avios points for reward seats, especially for British Airways Executive Club members
– Easier connections to other destinations through Doha’s Hamad International Airport
– Improved alliance benefits, such as lounge access and shared frequent flyer perks
Impact on Airports and Travelers
The move to cluster five flights in just 35 minutes at Heathrow is a bold step. It helps maximize connections in Doha but also puts pressure on Heathrow’s Terminal 4. There may be longer lines at check-in, security, and lounges, especially during the morning rush. Airport staff and airlines will need to work closely to manage the increased flow of passengers.
Slot allocation at Heathrow is always a challenge. The source of the extra slots for Qatar Airways has not been fully explained, but it is likely that the airline is using unused winter slots as leisure travel slows down after summer.
For passengers, the main benefits include:
– More options for departure times
– Greater flexibility for business and leisure trips
– Better access to reward seats for frequent flyers
However, travelers should be prepared for possible congestion at the airport, especially in lounges and at security during peak times.
Visa and Entry Requirements
The expansion of flights does not change visa or entry requirements for travelers. UK and EU citizens may need a visa to enter Qatar, depending on the length of their stay and the purpose of their visit. Many nationalities, however, are eligible for visa-free entry to Qatar for short stays. It is important to check the latest requirements before booking. The official Qatar Ministry of Interior visa page provides up-to-date information on visa rules for Qatar.
For those traveling to the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, standard UK entry rules apply. Travelers should check the UK government’s official visa and immigration page for the most current information.
Booking and Baggage Information
Travelers can book flights directly through the official websites of Qatar Airways and British Airways. Both airlines allow passengers to use Avios points for part or all of their ticket, and the increased number of flights means more reward seats should be available.
Baggage allowances remain the same:
– Economy class: usually 23kg checked baggage
– Premium cabins: higher allowances
Passengers should check the specific baggage rules for their ticket class before traveling.
Industry and Community Reactions
Aviation experts see this expansion as a sign of strong recovery in international travel after the pandemic. The London–Doha route is important for both business and leisure travelers, as well as for those connecting to other parts of the world. The close partnership between Qatar Airways and British Airways helps both airlines compete with other global carriers.
For airports like Heathrow, the increase in flights means more passengers and more business, but also more pressure on facilities. Gatwick’s role as a long-haul hub is being reconsidered, with some analysts predicting that more premium long-haul flights will move to Heathrow in the future.
What Travelers Should Do
- Book early to secure the best fares and reward seats, especially during busy travel periods
- Check visa requirements for both Qatar and the UK before traveling
- Arrive early at the airport, especially for morning departures, to allow time for check-in and security
- Monitor airline and airport websites for any updates on schedules or entry rules
Looking Ahead
With more new aircraft arriving, Qatar Airways may add even more flights in the future if demand continues to grow and if more slots become available at Heathrow. The partnership with British Airways will likely remain strong, giving travelers more choices and better connections.
For more details or to book flights, visit the official Qatar Airways website or British Airways website. For the latest immigration and visa information, the UK government’s visa and immigration page is the best resource.
This expansion marks a new chapter for travel between the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 and Qatar 🇶🇦, offering more flexibility and options for travelers, while also bringing new challenges for airlines and airports to manage.
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