Qatar Airways Expands to Colombia and Venezuela in 2025
Qatar Airways is set to enhance its presence in Latin America by launching new routes to Colombia and Venezuela in early summer 2025. This strategic expansion will increase the airline’s destinations in the Americas to 16, reinforcing its commitment to connecting key regions and providing more travel options for passengers.
The new service will operate from Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) to Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport (BOG), continuing onward to Caracas Simon Bolivar International Airport (CCS). The return flights from Caracas will be nonstop to Doha, offering seamless connectivity for travelers. These routes will be served twice weekly using Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, known for their long-range capabilities and exceptional passenger comfort.
By introducing these new destinations, Qatar Airways becomes the second Middle Eastern carrier to serve Colombia, following Emirates’ one-stop daily service to Bogotá via Miami, launched in June 2024. Additionally, Qatar Airways will be the first Middle Eastern airline to operate flights to Venezuela, marking a significant milestone in the region’s aviation landscape.
“This marks a transformative moment for Qatar Airways,” said Group CEO Mohammed Al-Meer. “The new routes will foster connections between people, cultures, and commerce, enhancing our global network and offering more choices for our passengers.”
The Doha-Bogotá flight, covering approximately 8,253 miles (13,287 kilometers), will rank as the third-longest route in Qatar Airways’ extensive network, surpassed only by services to Auckland and Los Angeles. This long-haul flight underscores the airline’s commitment to expanding its global reach and catering to the growing demand for intercontinental travel.
Despite the overall positive trend, the aviation sector faces ongoing challenges, particularly in regions like Central Africa, where limited infrastructure and high operating costs hinder growth. Ali Tounsi, Secretary General of ACI Africa, emphasized the need for stronger government engagement, regional cooperation, and strategic investments in airport infrastructure to sustain and accelerate growth in the African aviation market. Qatar Airways’ expansion into Latin America comes at a time when strategic investments and government support are crucial for overcoming infrastructure constraints and fostering a robust aviation ecosystem.
Passenger numbers in Africa reached 240 million in 2024, an 11% year-on-year increase, driven by tourism rebounds in key markets such as Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, and South Africa. The expansion of carriers like FlySafair and Airlink, along with increased trade facilitated by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), has contributed to the rising air traffic. However, the recovery remains uneven across regions, highlighting the importance of government initiatives and public-private partnerships to enhance airport infrastructure and operational efficiencies.
Qatar Airways’ new routes are expected to capitalize on the rising demand for air travel in Latin America, particularly in Colombia and Venezuela. By providing direct, nonstop flights from Doha, the airline aims to offer more competitive fares and increased accessibility in markets previously dominated by major flag carriers. British Airways holds approximately 46% of capacity at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, followed by Virgin Atlantic at 6.5%, American Airlines at 3.9%, United Airlines at 2.6%, and Lufthansa at 2.4%. Qatar Airways’ entry is anticipated to introduce more competition, potentially lowering fares and improving service quality for passengers.
The airline’s expansion is part of a broader strategy to enhance its global network, providing passengers with more direct flight options, improved connectivity, and superior service offerings. By leveraging its state-of-the-art Boeing 777-200LR fleet, Qatar Airways ensures that travelers enjoy a premium in-flight experience, characterized by comfort, luxury, and reliability.
As Qatar Airways prepares to launch these new Latin American routes, the airline is poised to capture a larger share of the market, meeting the evolving needs of modern travelers. This expansion aligns with Qatar Airways’ mission to connect the world, offering unparalleled travel experiences and fostering global connections.
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