As global air travel rebounds and tourism surges, Qatar Airways’ busiest routes in 2025 offer a fascinating window into the airline’s strategic vision and the evolving dynamics of international aviation.

Anchored at Hamad International Airport in Doha, the airline’s network spans 180 destinations across 86 countries-each route reflecting a blend of high-demand tourism corridors, regional connectivity, and smart aviation economics. Below, we explore each of the top 10 routes in detail, highlighting their significance, operational nuances, and broader impact on global mobility.

1. London Heathrow – Doha

• Weekly Seats: 21,924

• Flights: 8 daily (mix of Boeing 777-300ER, Airbus A350-900, and Airbus A380-800)

• Aircraft: 4 daily Boeing 777-300ERs, 2 Airbus A350-900s, 2 Airbus A380-800s (two- and three-class configurations)

Significance: The London–Doha corridor is the undisputed crown jewel of Qatar Airways’ network. With eight daily flights and nearly 22,000 weekly seats, it stands as one of the world’s busiest intercontinental routes. The route connects two global financial and cultural capitals, serving a diverse mix of business travelers, tourists, and transit passengers.

Its importance is amplified by London’s role as a gateway to Europe, and Doha’s position as a hub for Asia, Africa, and beyond. The deployment of flagship aircraft like the A380 ensures premium service and maximum capacity, supporting billions in trade, investment, and tourism revenue between the UK, the Gulf, and the wider world.

Operational Insight: The route is also served by British Airways, reinforcing its status as a critical international corridor. In January 2025, Qatar Airways operated 247 one-way flights to London Heathrow, using a diverse fleet including A350s, A380s, and Boeing 777s.

2. Bangkok – Doha

• Weekly Seats: 12,513

• Flights: 32 weekly (25 Boeing 777-300ER, 7 Airbus A380-800)

• Aircraft: Mix of two- and four-class Boeing 777-300ERs, daily A380-800 with first class

Significance: Bangkok’s status as Southeast Asia’s gateway city makes this route a cornerstone of Qatar Airways’ Asian network. It caters to both long-haul leisure tourists heading to Thailand and Southeast Asians connecting to Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

The route’s high capacity and frequency, including the A380, underscore its importance to both the airline and the Thai economy. It supports Thailand’s tourism industry, facilitates international trade, and is a vital conduit for labor migration and remittance flows.

Operational Insight: In January 2025, Qatar Airways operated 196 one-way flights to Bangkok, using a mix of A350s, A380s, and Boeing 777s.

3. Doha – Jeddah

• Weekly Seats: 10,952

• Flights: 5 daily (Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, Boeing 777-300ER)

Significance: Jeddah is a major commercial and religious hub, with high pilgrimage traffic and strong business demand. The route is critical for intra-Gulf connectivity and supports year-round religious tourism, especially during Hajj and Umrah seasons. It is also essential for business travelers, government officials, and expatriates, reflecting the growing economic integration within the GCC.

Operational Insight: The route is operated with a mix of widebody aircraft, ensuring flexibility and premium service.

4. Dubai – Doha

• Weekly Seats: 10,836

• Flights: 5 daily (widebody fleet: A350, 787-9, 777-300ER)

Significance: Despite its short distance, the Doha–Dubai route is among the busiest in the world, serving business travelers, expatriates, and connecting passengers. Dubai’s status as a global business, tourism, and logistics hub means the route is essential for supporting the region’s fast-growing economy. The use of widebody aircraft on such a short route is unique and underscores the high demand and premium service expectations.

Operational Insight: The route faces fierce competition from Emirates and Etihad, driving high frequencies and premium service.

5. Doha – Riyadh

• Weekly Seats: 10,647

• Flights: 5 daily (A350, 787-9, 777-300ER)

Significance: The Doha–Riyadh link is vital for government, business, and growing tourism flows between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, especially as regional relations improve. The route is essential for the large expatriate communities in both countries, facilitating family visits, business meetings, and cultural exchanges.

Operational Insight: The high frequency and capacity reflect the growing importance of this corridor in the broader GCC context.

6. Doha – Paris (CDG)

• Weekly Seats: 8,918

• Flights: 4 daily (Airbus A350-900, Boeing 777-300ER)

Significance: Paris is a major destination for both business and leisure travelers, maintaining strong demand for Qatar Airways’ premium services. The route supports billions in trade, investment, and tourism revenue between France and the Middle East.

Operational Insight: The use of modern, premium aircraft ensures world-class service and strong demand.

7. Colombo – Doha

• Weekly Seats: 8,001

• Flights: 4 daily (Boeing 787-9, 787-8)

Significance: This route is crucial for migrant workers, tourists, and business travelers, offering one-stop access to the Middle East, Europe, and North America. It supports labor migration and remittance flows between Sri Lanka and the Gulf.

Operational Insight: The high frequency and capacity reflect the importance of this corridor for both countries and the broader South Asian region.

8. Doha – Denpasar (Bali)

• Weekly Seats: 7,308

• Flights: 3 daily (2 Airbus A350-1000, 1 Boeing 787-8)

Significance: Bali’s global appeal as a leisure destination drives strong demand from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. The route is a major driver of inbound tourism to Indonesia, supporting local economies and international visitor numbers.

Operational Insight: The use of large, modern aircraft reflects the high demand and premium service expectations.

9. Doha – Singapore

• Weekly Seats: 6,748

• Flights: 3 daily (Airbus A350-900, A350-1000, Boeing 777-300ER)

Significance: Singapore is a vital business and transit hub, catering to both corporate and leisure travelers. The route is critical for maintaining the airline’s premium presence in Southeast Asia.

Operational Insight: The mix of aircraft types allows for capacity adjustments based on demand and seasonality.

10. Manchester – Doha

• Weekly Seats: 6,643

• Flights: 3 daily (2 Boeing 787-9, 1 Airbus A350-1000)

Significance: This route connects Northern England to Qatar Airways’ global network, offering seamless access to Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. It is particularly important for the large South Asian diaspora in Northern England, facilitating family visits, business meetings, and cultural exchanges.

Operational Insight: The high frequency and use of modern, premium aircraft reflect the airline’s commitment to serving the UK market beyond London.

Broader Context and Industry Trends

• Hub Strength: Hamad International Airport’s record passenger numbers and rising point-to-point traffic underscore Doha’s growing prominence as both a transit and destination hub.
• Fleet and Capacity: Qatar Airways operates a fleet of over 200 aircraft and is negotiating further orders to boost annual passenger capacity from 50 million to 80 million by 2030.
• Economic Resilience: Despite a slight decline in passenger numbers and aircraft movements in early 2025, the airline and its hub remain resilient, with strong load factors and premium service offerings.
• Competitive Landscape: Intense competition in the Gulf region and beyond drives innovation, high service standards, and frequent route expansions.
• Passenger Mix: The busiest routes serve a dynamic mix of business travelers, tourists, migrant workers, and religious pilgrims, reflecting the airline’s role as a global connector.

Qatar Airways’ top 10 busiest routes in 2025 are a microcosm of its global strategy: connecting major cities, supporting regional mobility, and offering premium service across diverse passenger segments. With a modern fleet, ambitious expansion plans, and a resilient hub, the airline is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in international aviation and continue shaping the future of global travel.

On August 29, 2025, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced a decisive move during a special parliamentary session: Türkiye has severed all economic and trade relations with Israel and imposed a ban on Israeli aircraft entering Turkish airspace. The parliament also adopted a resolution condemning Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip as genocide.

“We have completely cut off our trade with Israel. We do not allow Turkish ships to go to Israeli ports. We do not allow their planes to enter our airspace,” Fidan declared, decrying the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and warning of the broader regional instability fueled by Israeli military operations against neighboring countries, including Syria.

However, Reuters later clarified that the airspace ban applies specifically to government flights and aircraft transporting munitions to Israel, while commercial flights transiting Turkish airspace remain unrestricted. Supporting this, independent analysis from aviation intelligence platform ch-aviation shows that Israeli carriers such as El Al Israel Airlines, Israir, and Arkia continue to fly over Türkiye en route to destinations across Europe and the Caucasus without any noticeable rerouting. No official Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) have been issued to restrict these overflights.

Türkiye and Israel have maintained a tense political relationship for several years. All direct flights between the two countries have been suspended since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent military response in Gaza. In a further indication of strained ties, Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines relinquished their remaining slots at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport in April 2025, signaling that their return to the Israeli market remains unlikely in the near future.

While Türkiye’s move marks a significant escalation in diplomatic and economic pressure on Israel, the continuation of commercial overflights suggests a cautious approach to aviation restrictions, balancing political stance with operational realities of regional air traffic.

As the humanitarian and geopolitical crisis unfolds, the Turkish government’s actions reflect growing condemnation of Israeli policies in Gaza, underscoring the complex and volatile dynamics in Middle Eastern relations.

Wizz Air has officially ended its Abu Dhabi-based operations as of September 1, marking a strategic retreat from the UAE market to focus more heavily on its European network. While this move has resulted in some flight cancellations and operational shifts, travelers seeking affordable flights from the UAE will not be left stranded. A number of other low-cost carriers are actively stepping in to fill the gap, ensuring continued access to budget-friendly travel options.

Wizz Air’s August traffic report confirmed its last outbound flight from Abu Dhabi flew on August 31. The airline is simultaneously rebuilding its Tel Aviv hub, aiming to restart a full schedule of 24 routes by mid-September, underscoring the company’s adaptability following the suspension of summer flights from the UAE.

The decision to close Wizz Air’s Abu Dhabi base stems from a mix of operational challenges, including geopolitical tensions in the region and technical difficulties arising from harsh climate conditions affecting aircraft engines. While the airline’s Abu Dhabi-based arm has ceased operations, some routes from the broader Wizz Air European network will continue to fly to and from Abu Dhabi.

For passengers accustomed to Wizz Air’s low fares, several alternative budget airlines are ready to meet ongoing demand across the UAE and beyond:

• Air Arabia and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi: As the Middle East’s first and largest low-cost airline, Air Arabia operates from Sharjah, while its joint venture with Etihad Airways, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, flies from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport. Both carriers serve numerous destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia.
• flydubai: Dubai-based flydubai blends low fares with some full-service offerings, flying to more than 120 destinations worldwide. It is a popular choice for routes to Eastern Europe and South Asia.
• flynas: The Saudi low-cost carrier operates flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to multiple destinations, including Saudi cities, Tbilisi, and Brussels.
• IndiGo and Air India Express: These Indian carriers provide frequent, affordable connections between India and the UAE, covering a broad range of cities.
• Pegasus Airlines and Jazeera Airways: Pegasus offers budget flights to Turkey and onward connections to Europe from Sharjah and Dubai, while Kuwait-based Jazeera Airways serves routes from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to destinations in the Middle East and Asia.

Though Wizz Air’s exit marks a shift in the UAE’s aviation landscape, the presence of these well-established low-cost competitors ensures the market remains dynamic and competitive. Travelers can continue to find attractive deals and explore a wide variety of destinations without stretching their budgets, especially during promotional periods when even full-service airlines offer significant discounts.

Great news for fans of the legendary manga and anime series One Piece: you no longer have to journey to Japan to shop at the iconic Mugiwara Store. On September 12, Singapore will welcome its very first official Mugiwara Store at Jewel Changi Airport, offering devotees an exciting treasure trove of exclusive One Piece merchandise.

Named after the Japanese term for “Straw Hat” — a nod to the series’ protagonist Monkey D. Luffy and his adventurous crew — the Mugiwara Store will feature a wide range of collectibles including apparel, accessories, keychains, plush toys, and detailed figures. Fans can also enjoy immersive photo spots that bring the world of One Piece to life.

The store’s design draws inspiration from the One Piece Egghead Arc, where the Straw Hat Pirates explore the futuristic Egghead Island. This thematic setting adds a unique and immersive atmosphere for shoppers, making it more than just a retail experience.

Ng Kuan Luen, director of the Singapore-based omnichannel platform Omnisekai and part of the store’s management, shared his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to announce the One Piece Mugiwara Store at Jewel Changi Airport, marking Singapore’s first-ever flagship location for this beloved manga and anime series. With its global appeal and iconic setting, Jewel Changi Airport is the perfect home for the Mugiwara Store’s debut in Singapore.”

The store opens its doors on September 12, 2025, located at 78 Airport Boulevard, #04-235/236, Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore 819666. It will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., inviting all One Piece fans and collectors to dive into a world of adventure and exclusive merchandise right in the heart of Singapore.

Malaysia is aiming high to boost its tourism industry, targeting 43 million foreign visitors this year and an even more ambitious 47 million in 2026. This bold vision aligns with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign’s goal to attract travelers who stay longer and spend more, strengthening the nation’s position as a top global destination.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, speaking after chairing the VM2026 National Main Committee meeting on September 2, outlined three key strategies that form the foundation of the campaign’s success. Central to these plans are stronger destination branding and more aggressive marketing campaigns designed to stimulate demand. Additionally, the government is actively working to boost visitor traffic through closer collaboration with airlines, travel agencies, and key regional land and sea entry points.

The campaign also targets specific markets and high-impact tourism segments, including ecotourism, shopping tourism, and unique niche attractions tailored to meet the interests of diverse traveler groups. These focused efforts aim to maximize visitor engagement and spending.

“The VM2026 campaign is a national priority that seeks to increase tourism revenue, enhance Malaysia’s global competitiveness, and ensure that tourism continues to be a major contributor to the country’s GDP,” said Ahmad Zahid. Highlighting the sector’s strong recovery, he noted that Malaysia welcomed 38 million foreign visitors in 2024—a 31.1 percent increase from the previous year—while domestic tourism recorded 260.1 million visits, up 21.7 percent compared to 2023.

Seasonal tourism promotions are also a key focus, especially to attract visitors from the Middle East, a region challenged by extreme weather conditions at certain times of the year. One proposed initiative is to amplify the Malaysia Midnight Sale, positioning the country as a premier shopping destination for global tourists.

Ahmad Zahid emphasized the importance of unified action across government ministries and agencies to provide seamless service to visitors. “I want every ministry and agency to work together, move in step, and deliver the best experience to tourists,” he said. “With firm commitment, Malaysia will continue to excel as a world-class tourism destination, rich in culture, safe to visit, and able to generate shared prosperity.”

Supporting the overarching VM2026 campaign is a structure of six working sub-committees led by various ministries, including Tourism, Arts and Culture; Communications; Housing and Local Government; Transport; and Tourism Malaysia itself. This collaborative framework aims to strengthen Malaysia’s presence in both existing and emerging markets.
“I am confident that with serious focus and cooperation, Malaysia will boost its tourism sector significantly by 2026,” Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid concluded.

The ambitious VM2026 campaign underscores Malaysia’s commitment to revitalizing tourism and capitalizing on its diverse attractions, from natural wonders to vibrant cultural experiences, ensuring the country remains a beloved destination for travelers worldwide.

The island paradise of Phuket is riding an extraordinary wave of tourism recovery in 2025, welcoming millions of travelers and generating remarkable revenue that underscores its position as Thailand’s premier tourist destination. Data from the Provincial Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Office in Phuket reveals that over 7.6 million tourists arrived between January and July alone, injecting an astonishing 290 billion baht into the island’s economy.

Governor Sophon Suwannarat highlighted the diverse mix of visitors fueling this resurgence. Russians, Chinese, and Indians topped the arrival charts for the seven-month period, while European tourists surged in July, accounting for nearly 43% of visitors in that month. July’s tourist count reached approximately 887,000, contributing 36 billion baht to the local economy, a vivid sign of the island’s enduring appeal.

Hotel occupancy rates reflect healthy demand, with an average of 76.61% from January to July and a July occupancy of 63.99%, which mirrors typical seasonal travel patterns. The bustling hospitality sector benefits from a steady flow of international travelers who continue to choose Phuket for leisure, business, and cultural experiences.

Phuket’s growing visitor numbers are strongly supported by increased air traffic. Phuket International Airport recorded 63,007 flights in the first seven months of the year—a 6% rise over the same period last year. July by itself saw 7,896 flights touching down, signaling robust connections and accessibility for global travelers.

Adding to the island’s global reach, three new international airlines launched direct routes to Phuket in 2025. AirAsia inaugurated a four-times-weekly Medan-Phuket route, Asiana Airlines increased connectivity with 14 weekly flights from Seoul, and Air France began operating a thrice-weekly Paris-Phuket service. These new links not only broaden Phuket’s market but also make the island more accessible to diverse audiences.

Maritime tourism is also thriving. From January to July, 154,217 visitors arrived via 55 tourist boats, complemented by 670 travelers onboard 527 yachts, reinforcing the importance of sea-based arrivals in Phuket’s tourism mosaic.

Last year, Phuket welcomed a record 13.1 million visitors and amassed staggering tourism revenue of 497 billion baht, securing its status as Thailand’s top-earning province for tourism, as reported by the Bangkok Post. Encouragingly, the current year’s figures suggest Phuket is well on pace to match or potentially surpass those high benchmarks by year-end.

With expanding flight routes, consistently strong hotel occupancy, and tourists arriving from all corners of the globe, Phuket’s tourism sector is not merely recovering—it’s booming. The island is poised to continue dazzling travelers and driving economic growth well into the future, reaffirming its crown jewel status in Thailand’s tourism landscape.