Hamad International Airport strengthens connectivity with new airline additions

Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Doha has expanded its international airline network ahead of the 2026 summer travel season, adding several carriers across Asia, Africa and Europe as passenger traffic demand continues to rise.

In an operational update issued on May 20, HIA said flight operations at the airport were continuing to expand, with more than 30 airline partners now operating services to and from Doha.

The airport stated that operations are being coordinated in line with relevant regulatory authorities and airline partners, while cautioning that schedules may still be adjusted or cancelled due to circumstances outside the airport’s control.

New carriers added through phased expansion

The latest update outlines a phased expansion of airline services beginning in May and extending into July, reflecting broader efforts to strengthen Doha’s role as a regional and international aviation hub.

According to HIA’s operational schedule, the following airlines either resumed or commenced operations during the expansion phase:

• May 1: Air India, Air India Express, Gulf Air, IndiGo
• May 4: Ethiopian Airlines
• May 5: Saudia
• May 7: Kuwait Airways
• May 11: SriLankan Airlines
• May 12: Pegasus Airlines
• May 14: Pakistan International Airlines
• May 17: Kam Air
• May 19: Flynas
• May 21: Jazeera Airways
• June 2: RwandAir
• June 9: Turkish Airlines
• June 15: Virgin Australia
• July 1: Royal Air Maroc
• July 2: Malaysia Airlines

The expansion includes airlines serving key markets across South Asia, the Gulf region, Africa, Europe and Southeast Asia, reinforcing Doha’s position within long-haul and transit aviation networks.

Summer demand drives operational growth

The updated schedule comes as airports and airlines across the Middle East prepare for increased summer travel demand. Aviation hubs in the Gulf region have been expanding international partnerships and route networks to accommodate higher passenger volumes and growing transit traffic.

HIA said flight operations are continuing to grow through collaboration with airline partners and aviation authorities. The airport did not disclose additional passenger traffic projections in the update.

Industry observers have noted that Gulf aviation hubs remain strategically important for connecting Europe, Asia and Africa, particularly as airlines continue rebuilding and expanding international schedules.

Doha strengthens role as regional aviation hub

The growing list of airline partners operating through Doha reflects broader competition among regional airports seeking to expand connectivity, attract international carriers and strengthen long-haul transit operations.

Key aspects of the latest expansion include:

• Increased airline diversity across multiple regions
• Strengthened South Asian and Middle Eastern connectivity
• Additional links to African and European markets
• Expanded summer operational capacity
• Greater transit network integration through Doha

The inclusion of carriers such as Turkish Airlines, Virgin Australia, Malaysia Airlines and Royal Air Maroc highlights the airport’s continued efforts to broaden its international network reach.

As global aviation demand continues recovering and travel patterns evolve, airports across the Gulf are expected to further invest in airline partnerships, operational scalability and passenger handling capacity ahead of future growth cycles.