Qatar Airways has expanded its Middle East network with new services to Iraq and plans for an additional destination in Saudi Arabia. The airline now operates non-stop flights between Doha (DOH) and Sulaymaniyah, Iraq (ISU) four times weekly using Airbus A320 aircraft configured with 12 business class seats and 132 economy seats. Sulaymaniyah becomes Qatar’s fifth destination in Iraq since the carrier began serving the country in 2012, joining Erbil (EBL), Baghdad (BGW), Najaf (NJF) and Basra (BSR).
Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker emphasized the airline’s strategy of opening underserved markets, saying the additional services increase travel options and flexibility for passengers to and from these regions. The new route aims to improve connectivity and bring more global travel choices to local communities.
In addition, Qatar Airways will launch flights to Ta’if (TIF), Saudi Arabia, starting October 2. That route will also operate four times a week with Airbus A320 aircraft offering the same 12-business / 132-economy seating layout. Ta’if will join Qatar’s existing Saudi Arabian network, which includes Jeddah (JED), Riyadh (RUH), Dammam (DMM), Madinah (MED) and Gassim (ELQ).
The expansion underlines Qatar Airways’ focus on strengthening regional connections while supporting increased demand for point-to-point travel across the Gulf and neighboring countries. By adding Sulaymaniyah and Ta’if, the carrier enhances options for business and leisure travelers, facilitating smoother links between Qatar, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
Both new routes will be operated with A320 aircraft, a narrow-body type suitable for short- to medium-haul travel, providing a consistent onboard product across these regional services. The four-times-weekly frequency on each route reflects an approach that balances market demand with operational efficiency while offering passengers reliable schedules and choices for onward connections through Doha.
Qatar Airways’ continued network growth in the Middle East supports broader connectivity goals and reinforces Doha’s position as a regional hub. These additions are part of the airline’s ongoing efforts to serve underserved cities and expand its route map to meet evolving travel needs.
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