As the World Cup fast approaches, British Airways will use its A380 from London Heathrow to Doha, replacing Qatar Airways on the route. It will supplement BA's existing London Gatwick-Doha service. It means that, when partner Qatar Airways is included, the pair have up to 9x daily nonstops from London to the Qatari capital.

Qatar Airways has reduced flights at Doha Hamad International Airport by 7% for the global event, temporarily becoming more of a point-to-point operator and seemingly enabling many other operators to add extra services. And Doha International Airport, shut to airlines in 2014, has reopened to a growing array of operators. More changes will undoubtedly happen.

BA to use the A380 to Doha

While not bookable when writing, the A380 to Doha appears in BA's timetable. It'll operate 1x daily between November 18th and January 8th using Qatar Airways' Heathrow slots.

It seems that BA is helping out its partner and fellow oneworld member by increasing seats for sale, presumably because of Qatar Airways' continuing aircraft shortage. From January 9th on, it'll revert to Qatar Airways.

BA's operation is scheduled as follows, with all times local. Notice the 8h 15m ground time in Doha:

  • London Heathrow to Doha: BA123, 21:20-07:05+1 (6h 45m block time)
  • Doha to London Heathrow: BA122, 15:20-19:50 (7h 30m)
British Airways A380 to Doha
Image: British Airways.

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Far more seats for sale per flight

BA123/BA122 will replace QR16/QR15, operated by either 354-seat or 358-seat 777-300ERs. These have no first class seats but 42 in business and 312 or 316 in economy.

The shift to BA's A380s means 469 seats for sale, up to a third more than with Qatar Airways. There are 14 first class seats, 97 in business (+131%), 55 in premium economy, and 303 in economy (-4%). Clearly, BA will have a far more premium offering than the Qatar flag carrier's 777-300ERs.

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Up to 9x daily London flights

Looking at randomly chosen December 1st, the following is available. Note that given BA is 'only' replacing Qatar Airways, the market hasn't seen an increase in flights.

Notice how close some times are so close together, such as arriving at Heathrow five minutes apart in the early morning. It seems inefficient, but it helps to increase capacity at peak times and is, of course, dependent on Heathrow slots.

Airport

Departure time from London

Arrival time in London

Airline

Flight

Aircraft

Gatwick

05:45

British Airways

BA2032

777-200ER

Heathrow

06:20

Qatar Airways

QR9

777-300ER

Heathrow

06:25

Qatar Airways

QR11

A380

Heathrow

08:05

Qatar Airways

QR6

777-300ER

Heathrow

08:35

Qatar Airways

QR10

A380

Gatwick

10:45

Qatar Airways

QR329

787-8

Heathrow

12:15

Qatar Airways

QR3

A380

Gatwick

12:15

Qatar Airways

QR330

787-8

Heathrow

13:20

Qatar Airways

QR7

777-300ER

Gatwick

14:05

British Airways

BA2033

777-200ER

Heathrow

14:15

Qatar Airways

QR4

A380

Heathrow

14:55

Qatar Airways

QR8

777-300ER

Heathrow

17:30

Qatar Airways

QR1

777-300ER

Heathrow

18:55

Qatar Airways

QR12

777-300ER

Heathrow

19:50

British Airways

BA122

A380

Heathrow

20:30

Qatar Airways

QR2

777-300ER

Heathrow

21:20

British Airways

BA123

A380

Heathrow

22:00

Qatar Airways

QR5

777-300ER

What do you think of it all? Let us know in the comments.

  • British Airways, Cabin Crew Training, Customer Service
    British Airways
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    BA/BAW
    Airline Type:
    Full Service Carrier
    Hub(s):
    London Heathrow Airport, London Gatwick Airport
    Year Founded:
    1974
    Alliance:
    oneworld
    Airline Group:
    IAG
    CEO:
    Sean Doyle
    Country:
    United Kingdom