Qatar Airways announced today that it is launching a new route between Doha and Toronto. Now, I know what you’re thinking. How is a massive, global carrier just now starting flights to Canada’s largest city?
Canada, like Australia, has taken a protectionist approach when it comes to allowing foreign carriers access to the country. Until now, the bilateral agreement between Qatar and Canada only allowed for seven weekly frequencies between the two countries. For whatever reason, Qatar Airways elected to serve Montreal (YUL) instead of Toronto.
While we don’t know for certain, the bilateral agreement seems to have been expanded which is making these new flights possible. Otherwise, Qatar Airways would have to cut back service from Montreal which is still showing as daily service for the airline.
The new route will operate 3x weekly between Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. These aircraft are equipped with 42 QSuite Business Class seats and 312 Economy seats.
The expansion into Toronto marks the 14th North American market for the airline and will allow travelers connecting opportunities to more than 170 destinations via its global hub in Doha. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, had this to say about the new route:
“The Toronto route is a strong and enduring commitment towards providing Qatar Airways’ Canadian customers with the enhanced connectivity they deserve, as well as access to our world-leading service and Qsuite in-flight product. The addition of a fourteenth gateway to our Americas network is also a testament to our aim in maintaining a key presence across the local market, and cements our reputation as a reliable global connector.”
The new flights are scheduled to begin on December 11th, 2024 and will operate on the following schedule on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays:
Doha (DOH) to Toronto (YYZ)
QR 767 Departs: 9:50a Arrives: 3:55p
Toronto (YYZ) to Doha (DOH)
QR 768 Departs: 8:00p Arrives: 4:30p (+1)
Flights are currently on sale via the Qatar Airways website though they haven’t yet been loaded to Google Flights at the time of this writing. It also may be a good time to try and find QSuite Award Availability using American AAdvantage miles.
Summary
Qatar Airways is launching flights between Doha and Toronto beginning in December. The new route has been made possible due to a likely expansion of the bilateral aviation agreement between Qatar and Canada. I’m surprised that the route isn’t daily but, it’s possible that the agreement was only expanded to allow for 10 flights between the two countries. Either way, it’s great to see Qatar Airways adding service to Canada’s largest city.
(Image courtesy Qatar Airways)
