Qatar Airways, the flag carrier of Qatar, has recently announced a significant expansion of its flight operations to Berlin, a move that underscores the airline’s growing presence in the German market. As of July 2025, the airline will increase its flight frequency between Berlin and its hub in Doha to three times daily, up from the current schedule. This decision comes in response to a notable surge in passenger demand, with the airline reporting a 16% increase in passenger traffic in Germany throughout 2024 compared to the previous year. The boost in Berlin flights reflects Qatar Airways’ strategic focus on enhancing connectivity between Europe and its extensive global network, which spans over 150 destinations worldwide via Hamad International Airport in Doha. This development was revealed on March 4, 2025, during the ITB travel fair in Berlin, one of the travel industry’s largest annual gatherings, where the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, addressed the company’s plans for the region.
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The increased flight frequency to Berlin is a clear indication of Qatar Airways’ commitment to catering to the rising demand for travel between Germany and key destinations in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. By offering three daily flights, the airline aims to provide greater flexibility and convenience for both business and leisure travelers, connecting them seamlessly to cities such as Mumbai, Singapore, Sydney, Bali, and the Maldives through its Doha hub. This move builds on Qatar Airways’ longstanding presence in Germany, where it already operates flights from Frankfurt, Munich, and, starting July 1, 2024, Hamburg. With the addition of Berlin’s enhanced schedule, the airline will offer a total of 71 weekly flights across five German cities, reinforcing its position as a major player in the European aviation market.
However, despite this expansion, Qatar Airways is adopting a cautious approach to further growth in Germany. Thierry Antinori indicated that while the airline has its sights set on additional German destinations, no new routes will be added for at least another year and possibly longer. This delay is primarily attributed to sluggish aircraft deliveries, a challenge that has impacted the aviation industry globally due to supply chain disruptions and production delays at major manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. Antinori noted that several potential destinations are “on the radar,” but the airline’s fleet expansion plans are constrained by the pace of new aircraft arrivals. He explained that Qatar Airways has already allocated its expected deliveries for the next two years to existing network enhancements, leaving little room for immediate growth into new markets.
This measured strategy highlights the balance that Qatar Airways is striking between capitalizing on current demand and managing operational limitations. The airline’s decision to prioritize Berlin aligns with its broader goal of optimizing resources while maintaining its reputation for excellence, underscored by accolades such as being named the “World’s Best Airline” eight times by Skytrax, most recently in 2024. For now, German travelers can look forward to improved access to Qatar Airways’ award-winning services out of Berlin, but those hoping for new destinations will need to wait as the airline navigates the complexities of fleet expansion in an unpredictable global market.