Qatar Airways has expanded its global reach with the launch of daily non-stop flights between Doha and Hamburg, marking the commencement of its fifth destination in Germany. The inaugural flight took place on Monday, July 1, 2024, departing from Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha and arriving at Hamburg Airport (HAM). This new route adds to Qatar Airways’ existing services in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, and Munich, catering to the strong market demand in Germany.
The airline, recently recognized as the World’s Best Airline by Skytrax, has witnessed a significant increase in outbound passengers from Germany, with a 62% rise in 2023 compared to the previous year. This expansion further reinforces Qatar Airways’ extensive network, now encompassing over 170 destinations worldwide. The new connection facilitates seamless travel from northern Germany to Doha and beyond, offering convenient access to Hamburg for global travelers.
Beyond its contribution to tourism, the new route also strengthens economic and trade ties between northern Germany, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It is expected to bolster Hamburg’s cargo sector by up to 11%, driving regional economic growth.
The arrival of the maiden flight was met with a warm welcome from dignitaries, including Dr. Peter Tschentscher, First Mayor of Hamburg; Mr. Ali Al-Boainain, Charge de Affair of the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Berlin; Mr. Thierry Antinori, Chief Commercial Officer of Qatar Airways; Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar; H.E. Lothar Freischlader, German Ambassador to Qatar; Christian Kunsch, CEO of Hamburg Airport; and Dr. Malte Heyne, CEO of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce.
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the new route, stating, “Qatar Airways extends a warm welcome to the beautiful city of Hamburg as the latest destination to join its expansive route network, and its fifth gateway in Germany, a key market for the airline. As Qatar and Germany’s bilateral relations continue to strengthen, we are pleased to begin this route which will further reinforce important economic and trade ties between the two countries. With our centrally-located hub in Doha, we are well positioned to be able to facilitate exports from East to West and vice versa, and we look forward to seeing the growth of this route over the coming years from the World’s Best Airport and with the World’s Best Airline.”
First Mayor of Hamburg, Peter Tschentscher, highlighted the importance of international connectivity for the city, saying, “Hamburg is an international city with centuries-old trade relations with all continents. Good flight connections via Hamburg Airport Helmut Schmidt are important for the economy, science and culture of the Hanseatic city. Qatar Airways is one of the best and most modern airlines and is now adding Hamburg to its network of over 170 destinations with daily flights to Doha. I would like to thank everyone involved in the cooperation between our airport and Qatar Airways and wish them every success with the new flight connections from Hamburg to the rest of the world.”
Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, emphasized the airline’s commitment to providing passengers with exceptional travel experiences, stating, “As the World’s Best Airline, we are always striving to offer our passengers access to the award-winning Qatar Airways service and in-flight product via Hamad International Airport, voted the World’s Best Airport and Airport Retail by Skytrax in 2024, and our new route between Doha and Hamburg is evidence of this commitment. We are proud to offer our customers from northern Germany one of the most modern and comfortable aircraft choices in the world to travel to some of their favourite destinations, whether for business or leisure.”
Eng. Abdulaziz Ali AL Mawlawi, Visit Qatar Chief Executive Officer, expressed his delight in supporting this significant milestone for Qatar Airways and the country’s thriving tourism sector, saying, “We at Visit Qatar are pleased to participate in yet another significant milestone for Qatar Airways and Qatar’s thriving tourism sector. This expansion will bolster Qatar’s global connectivity and underscore our commitment to becoming a leading tourist destination. The visitor experience in Qatar is distinguished by exceptional service, diverse offerings, and immersive activities. By welcoming German visitors, we foster cultural exchange and enrich the tourism landscape.”
Christian Kunsch, Hamburg Airport Chief Executive Officer, expressed his enthusiasm for welcoming Qatar Airways to Hamburg Airport, stating, “We warmly welcome Qatar Airways to Hamburg Airport. As the commercial airport of northern Germany’s largest city, it is our aim to be well connected internationally. The new connection from Hamburg to Doha, one of the most important and fastest-growing hubs, greatly increases connectivity between Hamburg and the world. Our passengers can now look forward to even more flexibility in their travel planning, while Hamburg continues to gain in importance as a business location and travel destination.”
Dr Malte Heyne, CEO of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the importance of international accessibility for Hamburg’s economic growth, saying, “As Germany’s most important foreign trade centre, international accessibility is a key factor for Hamburg. The direct connection to Qatar Airways’ Doha hub strengthens Hamburg’s links to global trade. Direct flight connections are an important factor for the attractiveness of investors and tourists as well as for the organisation of international congresses and events.”
Hamad International Airport in Doha, strategically located, serves as an ideal hub for long-distance travel from Germany. Qatar Airways’ extensive route network offers convenient connections to popular destinations among German travelers, including the Maldives, Singapore, the Philippines, Bangkok, and Cape Town. Travelers can also access lesser-known gems like Goa in India, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and Chengdu in China. The airline’s meticulously coordinated flight schedules to these long-haul destinations ensure a smooth and seamless travel experience for all passengers.
Flight Schedule to Hamburg:
Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday (all local time)
Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (all local time)
