Qatar expands winter 2026‑27 flight network and holiday packages
Qatar has announced expanded winter 2026‑2027 flight connections, new cargo freighter services and a range of holiday and stop‑over packages. The changes roll out from late October 2026 and target international leisure travellers, transit passengers at Hamad International Airport and business visitors attending events.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- New winter flight frequencies, cargo routes and tourism packages are added
- Timing
- Implementations begin in late October 2026 for the 2026‑2027 winter season
- Who is affected
- International travellers, transit passengers and business visitors to Qatar
The details
- Announced by
- Qatar Airways and Visit Qatar
- Previous rule
- Before the 2026‑2027 winter schedule Qatar Airways served fewer than 170 destinations and operated fewer than 186 weekly flights.
- New rule
- The airline now serves over 170 destinations with more than 186 weekly flights, adds new freighter services and launches holiday and stop‑over packages.
Winter flight network expansion
Qatar Airways announced on 10 September 2026 that its winter schedule will cover more than 170 destinations worldwide, delivering over 186 weekly flights across Africa, Asia‑Pacific, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East. The airline increased frequencies on several routes and resumed selected services.
From 25 October 2026, weekly flights between Doha and London Heathrow rise from 49 to 56, Montréal from five to seven, and Phuket from 14 to 21. Ho Chi Minh City services increase from seven to 11 weekly flights starting 7 November 2026.
- Increased flight options for leisure and business travellers
- Higher frequency on key European and Asian routes
- Resumption of previously suspended services
Cargo freighter route additions
Qatar Airways Cargo announced on 22 October 2026 new dedicated freighter services linking Doha with Europe and North America. Weekly Boeing 777 freighter flights now operate to Copenhagen (starting 25 October), Warsaw‑Chicago (starting 26 October) and New York (starting 1 November).
These routes provide 100 tonnes of export capacity on the Copenhagen service and enhance cargo connectivity for Polish exporters and other markets.
- Weekly freighter to Copenhagen via Budapest
- Weekly Warsaw‑Chicago service through Doha and Brussels
- Weekly New York service via Liège and Atlanta
Tourism packages and stop‑over programme
Visit Qatar’s winter campaign, "Qatar Your Way", offers curated packages for families, sports fans, winter‑sun seekers and cultural explorers. Published starting prices range from QAR 1,558 to QAR 2,286 per person, varying by package and market.
The Qatar Stopover programme, promoted with Qatar Airways, provides hotel stays in four‑star and five‑star properties from US$14 per night for up to four nights, allowing transit passengers to explore Doha’s museums, souks, beaches and desert excursions.
- Four package categories covering culture, sport, winter sun and family holidays
- Stopover hotels start at US$14 per night, eligible for passengers with suitable itineraries
- Visitors must verify visa conditions and programme eligibility before booking
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers with existing bookings can benefit from increased flight frequencies after 25 October 2026.
- Transit passengers should check stop‑over eligibility and visa requirements before connecting through Doha.
- Business visitors can use the expanded schedule to align conference travel with more flight options.
Cost and documents
- Holiday package prices start at QAR 1,558 per person, varying by category.
- Stop‑over accommodation costs begin at US$14 per night, payable at booking.
- No additional fees are introduced for the new cargo services.
What you need to do
- Review updated flight timetables after 25 October 2026 to select preferred connections.
- Confirm visa eligibility and stop‑over programme conditions before booking a layover.
- Book holiday or stop‑over packages directly with Visit Qatar or Qatar Airways to lock in current pricing.
Who this affects
-
International leisure travellers
The expanded flight network and holiday packages increase travel options for vacationers during the winter season.
What to do Check new flight frequencies and consider booking a Qatar Your Way package.
-
Transit passengers via Hamad International Airport
The stop‑over programme allows connecting travellers to stay in Doha instead of remaining at the airport.
What to do Verify stop‑over eligibility, visa requirements and book accommodation through the Qatar Stopover programme.
-
Business visitors attending events
More frequent flights and proximity of the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre to the airport facilitate conference travel.
What to do Align event schedules with the increased flight options and use DECC facilities as needed.
-
Cargo exporters using Qatar Airways Cargo
New freighter routes to Europe and North America expand export capacity for businesses.
What to do Contact Qatar Airways Cargo to arrange shipments on the new weekly services.
-
Tour operators selling winter packages
Visit Qatar’s winter campaign provides new product offerings for the 2026‑2027 season.
What to do Incorporate the Qatar Your Way packages and stop‑over options into travel itineraries.
Frequently asked questions
When do the new Qatar Airways winter flights start?
The additional frequencies begin on 25 October 2026 for routes such as Doha‑London and Doha‑Montréal, with other increases rolling out through early November 2026.
What new cargo destinations are served from Doha this winter?
Weekly freighter services now connect Doha with Copenhagen (starting 25 October), Warsaw‑Chicago (starting 26 October) and New York (starting 1 November) as part of the winter expansion.
How much does a Qatar stop‑over hotel stay cost?
The official Qatar Stopover programme offers hotel accommodation starting at US$14 per person per night for stays of up to four nights.
What are the price ranges for the Qatar Your Way holiday packages?
Package prices start at QAR 1,558 for cultural experiences, QAR 1,851 for sports and competitions, QAR 1,951 for family and festive holidays, and QAR 2,286 for winter‑sun and outdoor activities.
Do I need a visa to use the Qatar stop‑over programme?
Eligibility for the stop‑over programme depends on nationality and travel documentation, so travelers should check the applicable visa conditions before booking.
