Qatar Airways Adds 26 Routes Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

After months of rebuilding its network and restoring international connectivity, Qatar Airways has unveiled one of its largest-ever summer schedules, adding and resuming services to 26 destinations across the globe. The move marks a major milestone in the airline’s recovery strategy and reinforces its position as one of the world’s leading long-haul carriers.

With operations now extending to more than 160 destinations worldwide, the Doha-based airline is significantly strengthening connections between Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Americas, offering passengers more travel options than at any point since its network restoration began.

26 Destinations Added as Network Surpasses 160 Cities

The Summer 2026 expansion includes the return of several key destinations that were previously suspended, along with increased frequencies on major international routes.

In Africa, Qatar Airways is resuming flights to Kigali, Seychelles, and Marrakesh while also enhancing services to multiple cities across the continent. In North and South America, the airline is restoring and expanding connectivity to destinations including Philadelphia, Boston, Bogotá, and Caracas.

The carrier is also increasing capacity to major U.S. gateways such as Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, and Boston ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, where strong travel demand is expected.

Asia-Pacific and Europe See Major Growth

Qatar Airways is also restoring several important Asia-Pacific routes, including Adelaide, Auckland, Osaka, Tokyo Haneda, Almaty, Baku, and Tashkent. The airline recently confirmed the return of services to Helsinki and Tokyo Haneda as part of its broader international expansion strategy.

Across Europe, additional frequencies are being added to key destinations including Brussels, Lisbon, Oslo, Prague, Helsinki, and Düsseldorf, further strengthening the airline’s global reach.

Powered by Hamad International Airport

The airline’s growing network continues to be supported by its award-winning hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha. The airport serves as a critical transfer point for passengers traveling between Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, offering seamless connections and premium passenger facilities.

Strong Operational Performance

Alongside network growth, Qatar Airways continues to emphasize operational reliability. The airline reported an on-time performance rate of 84.42% during 2025 and received industry recognition for operational excellence.

Passengers can also benefit from the airline’s expanding onboard connectivity program. More than 140 aircraft are now equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi, making Qatar Airways the world’s largest Starlink-equipped widebody airline fleet.

Next Phase of Recovery

The Summer 2026 schedule represents the next stage of Qatar Airways’ global recovery plan following disruptions across the Middle East earlier this year. The carrier has steadily restored services and expanded frequencies, with its network now exceeding 160 destinations worldwide.

As international travel demand continues to recover, Qatar Airways appears determined to strengthen its global footprint while maintaining the premium service standards that helped earn it the title of World’s Best Airline for a record ninth time.