Contrary to recent media reports, Qatar Airways confirms scheduled passenger flights to and from Syria are fully operational and that reports the airline has suspended services are completely unfounded.
Qatar Airways has only reduced frequency from 10 flights a week to 7 services each week to and from Damascus due to a reduction in traffic. Passengers holding reservations on the three cancelled flights have been re-booked on the other Damascus services. The airline continues to operate flights to both Damascus and Aleppo.
Meanwhile, the airline has expanded operations in China with the launch of scheduled flights to Chongqing, the airline’s fifth Chinese destination and 15th route start-up this year. Flight QR848 arrived at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport to an impressive water salute following its non-stop journey from the airline’s operational hub of Doha. Passengers and operating crew were given a red carpet arrival by airport officials. The new thrice-weekly flights join Qatar Airways’ four other Chinese destinations — Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.
As a major manufacturing centre, Chongqing is a key transportation hub located in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, a vitally important shipping waterway in China. With Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin, it is also one of only four municipalities in China, which report directly to the national government.
Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said that the new Chongqing flights reflected the importance of China’s growing economy in the eyes of the world. “Qatar Airways has been closely monitoring the dynamic Chinese market and looking at viable opportunities,” he said, adding, “we are extremely delighted to spread our award-winning services to our fifth Chinese gateway with our latest route.
“Qatar Airways is demonstrating confidence of doing business with partners in China and the opening of Chongqing, particularly being an up-and-coming city, shows our commitment to a vibrant economy.”
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