Doha based Qatar Airways has just announced that next summer it will increase daily flights to the Portuguese capital of Lisbon and operate a seasonal flight to Malaga in southern Spain. Form its base at Hamad International Airport (DOH), the state-owned national flag carrier of Qatar will offer 12 weekly flights to Lisbon and a daily service to Malaga.

Lisbon’s Portela Airport (LIS) has already proven to be an important hub between South America, the Persian Gulf, and the Far East. As for Malaga, it will open up Spain’s popular Costa del Sol to Qatari tourists looking to escape the scorching desert climate during the hottest months of the year.

Lisbon is the European city best connected with Brazil

Taking a look at the new flights to Lisbon first, we see that Qatar Airways already serves the European capital with a daily service using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

From June 1st, 2020, the oneworld carrier will increase the number of weekly flights from seven to 12 and then, from August 5th, will drop one flight for a total of 11 flights per week.

Qatar Airways Boeing 777
Qatar Airways will fly to Lisbon 12 times per week during part of the summer. Photo: Boeing

While Lisbon and Portugal as a whole offer exciting possibilities for Qatari tourists, it is Lisbon’s role as a hub for Brazil and the rest of South America that is most appealing.

Just like Dubai, the Qatar capital of Doha is fast becoming a stopover destination between Europe and the Far East. Qatar Airways is regarded as being one of the best airlines in the world for quality and service; a trait that will appeal to both business and leisure travelers.

Regarding Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) the airline is reinforcing its commitment to the region. Beginning May 4th, 2020 Qatar Airways will offer a daily summer service using a Boeing 777 until September 28th, 2020.

The triple seven being put on the route features the airlines patented 'Qsuite', which is considered by many to be the best business class available on any aircraft.

The Costa del Sol, and particularly Marbella and its neighbor Puerto Banus, is very popular with big-spending Middle Eastern tourists, as is evident from the scheduled summer flights.

Etihad Airways is also flying to Malaga next summer

Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways has also announced that it will be offering three flights per week to Malaga aboard a Boeing 787-9 from the 26th of June 2020.

The main difference between the two Gulf carriers flights is that the Etihad flight will make a one and a half-hour stop in Rabat, Morocco before continuing on to Spain.

Qatar Airways 777
Qatar operates the 777 on two of three fifth-freedom routes. Photo: Boeing

The flight will also only operate for just over 11 weeks finishing on the 13th of September 2020. Regarding the Qatar Airways flight, the airline was keen to point out to Malaga daily newspaper Sur that "it will be the only airline that will offer connections every day between the Andalusian city and the Persian Gulf during the months of July and August."

The new Qatar Airways flights will also allow Spanish residents the opportunity to fly via Doha to the Far East without the need to connect in Barcelona or Madrid.

Popular destinations for Spanish holidaymakers flying with Qatar Airways would include Hanoi, Bangkok, Singapore, Jakarta, and Sydney.

Most Spaniards take their summer holidays in August so the timing of Qatar Airways flights is perfect. If you are planning to fly either to or from Malaga on Qatar Airways next summer we would love to read about your plans in the comments section.