It is almost unheard of for a Gulf-based carrier to cut the frequency of its services. The business models of Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways are built on continual expansion.
But Qatar Airways has bucked the trend with a decision to axe a number of flights on its Manchester to Doha route. Effective March 26, Qatar Airways will operate ten flights a week on this route as against 14 flights at present.
The cuts affect flight QR042 which departs Manchester at 1000 and arrives in Doha at 1900. They also involve inbound service QR041 which leaves Doha at 0150 and reaches Manchester at 0730.
Currently both flights operate daily but from March 26 the airline booking systems show that they will operate only on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
In a statement issued to Business Traveller, the airline says that the reduction in Manchester flights is to enable it to boost services elsewhere. Says Qatar Airways,
"The rapid global expansion of the airline has made it necessary to reallocate a small proportion of Manchester’s capacity to other points on the network, resulting in a schedule change.
"Passengers booked to fly to and from Manchester after March 25 should expect only minimal disruption and, if affected, will be provided with alternative travel options on other Manchester or London Heathrow services operated by Qatar Airways."
For more information visit qatarairways.com.
Report by Alex McWhirter
