Qatar Airways is increasing its US services as summer travel continues to grow. The carrier will now offer 100 weekly flights from its 12 destinations in the country, including two launched in the last year alone. Let's find out more about Qatar Airways' ramped-up US schedule.

Upping

In a statement today, Qatar Airways announced that it is once again increasing its US presence this summer. Four routes will see two daily flights, one will increase to 12 times a week, and five more will see daily services. In total, Qatar will be flying a massive 100 weekly departures from the US alone.

Here's a summary of the current network:

  • Twice daily: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
  • 12 x weekly: Dallas-Ft. Worth
  • Daily: San Francisco, Boston, Miami, Philidelphia, and Seattle
Qatar Airbus A350
One of the world's most capable widebodies could soon enter the cargo market. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

The only two destinations not seeing increases are Atlanta and Houston. Flights to Atlanta only restarted at the start of June, officially restoring Qatar's entire US network. Simple Flying had the chance to attend the resumption celebrations of the route earlier this month. Meanwhile, Houston continues to see a daily service from Doha, after increasing from four times weekly last year.

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Opportunities

The increased frequencies offer Qatar a dual benefit. As more passengers look to begin traveling internationally again, the airline will be able to capture both outbound and inbound demand to the country. Moreover, with holiday destinations like the Maldives, Phuket, and Seychelles all welcoming tourists, Qatar is positioning itself as the go-to carrier for connectivity.

Qatar Airways is also looking to continue growing its cargo business. As the world's largest cargo operator, the US is a key market for goods from around the world. These increased frequencies mean that the airline will be able to carry even more freight in the coming months, as cargo demand shows little signs of lapsing.

Qatar Airways Cargo
Qatar Airways also flies a cargo-only route to Pittsburgh. Photo: Qatar Airways

However, this another reason for this increase: partnerships. Oneworld alliance members American and newly-minted Alaska Airlines, along with codeshare partner JetBlue, all offer Qatar the opportunity to grow its US connectivity. In total, Qatar Airways now offers tickets to a whopping 230 US cities, the most of any global carrier.

Keeping busy

As aviation emerges from its worst year on record, Qatar Airways is continuing its ambitious expansion. The airline has announced four new routes to Africa in the last two months alone, as it seeks out more cargo and passenger traffic.

QR 777
Once the pandemic ends, Qatar could find itself in a dominant new position in the US. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

While load factors might be low on many of these flights due to travel restrictions, it will place Qatar at pole position for an eventual full recovery of the international market. For now, keep an eye out as Qatar Airways continues to grow its presence globally.

What do you think about Qatar's increased flights to the US? Let us know in the comments!