Post by : Mumtaaz
Qadiri
Photo: AP
Qatar Airways, recognized as the World’s Best Airline for an impressive ninth consecutive year by Skytrax, is celebrating two significant milestones in India this year. The airline has been serving India for over two decades, and to mark this achievement, Qatar Airways is commemorating 20 years of service to Delhi on July 14, 2025, and 30 years of operations to Kolkata on October 31, 2025. These celebrations highlight Qatar Airways’ strong connection with the Indian market, which is one of the airline's most important and culturally vibrant regions.
Qatar Airways' Journey in India: A Strong Bond
Qatar Airways’ journey in India began in 1994 when Mumbai was the first Indian city to become part of the airline’s network. The success in Mumbai led to Qatar Airways expanding its presence in the country. Kolkata was added in 1995, and Delhi joined the network in 2005. Over the years, Qatar Airways has built a strong connection with India and continues to grow its operations in the country.
Today, Qatar Airways operates 100 weekly flights across India, with 14 flights a week from Delhi and 7 from Kolkata. This extensive network ensures that passengers in India can travel seamlessly to global destinations, connecting them through the airline's hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha. From Doha, passengers can reach destinations in Europe, the UK, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East with ease.
Qatar Airways' Commitment to India During the Pandemic
In the fiscal year 2024/25, Qatar Airways carried over 2.4 million passengers to and from India. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when air travel was severely restricted, Qatar Airways played a vital role in ensuring that essential air connectivity was maintained. The airline continued to operate flights, offering repatriation services, and helping people return to their home countries. Qatar Airways facilitated over 1.8 million repatriation flights between April 2020 and March 2022, which shows the airline's commitment to serving its passengers even during difficult times.
Cargo Operations: Supporting India's Trade
In addition to its passenger services, Qatar Airways Cargo plays a key role in India’s trade and logistics industry. Qatar Airways operates 120 weekly cargo flights to and from India, offering a capacity of 2,990 tonnes for imports and exports. The airline uses 20 Boeing 777 freighters to transport goods across India and beyond, ensuring the efficient and safe movement of commodities. Qatar Airways Cargo is an essential part of the airline’s operations in India, supporting the country’s economy by facilitating the global trade of various goods.
The Role of Qatar Airways in Strengthening Ties with India
Qatar Airways has built strong partnerships with passengers, travel agents, and stakeholders in India, based on its reputation for service excellence. Mr. Karthik Viswanathan, Vice President of Sales for Qatar Airways in the Middle East, Caucasus, Pakistan, and the Indian Sub-Continent, spoke about the strong relationship the airline shares with the Indian community. He expressed Qatar Airways’ pride in its Indian partnerships, saying, "India continues to be a cornerstone of our global network, and we look forward to many more years of shared success."
Qatar Airways’ Special Celebrations: A Culinary Delight
To commemorate its anniversaries in India, Qatar Airways is launching an exclusive business class menu in collaboration with celebrated Chef Garima Arora. Chef Arora is an internationally acclaimed, two-Michelin-starred chef and the first Indian woman to lead a Michelin-starred restaurant. This special menu will be available on Qatar Airways’ flights in business class starting in September 2025.
The menu will showcase a variety of regional Indian flavors, allowing passengers to enjoy authentic Indian dishes crafted by one of India’s most renowned chefs. Qatar Airways has always been committed to providing an exceptional onboard dining experience, and this partnership highlights the airline’s dedication to serving its passengers with the best cuisine.
Chef Arora’s menu will feature a wide range of appetizers, main courses, and desserts, all tailored specifically for Qatar Airways passengers. The airline sees this collaboration as a way to celebrate India's rich culinary heritage on a global platform, offering passengers a memorable dining experience while flying with the airline.
Qatar Airways’ Investment in Premium Onboard Experience
Qatar Airways has been consistently improving its premium onboard experience, and its investments in partnerships with world-class culinary experts like Chef Arora are a reflection of this commitment. Qatar Airways continues to lead the way in offering passengers a luxurious and comfortable journey, both on the ground and in the air. The airline’s dedication to customer satisfaction is evident in its numerous awards and accolades over the years, including being recognized as the ‘World’s Best Airline’ and ‘World’s Best Business Class’ for several consecutive years.
In 2025, Qatar Airways was once again honored with the title of ‘World’s Best Business Class,’ marking the twelfth time the airline has received this prestigious award. The airline also claimed the title of ‘World’s Best Airline’ for a record ninth time, alongside the award for ‘World’s Best Business Class Lounge’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East.’ These awards reflect Qatar Airways’ commitment to providing passengers with an exceptional travel experience.
Hamad International Airport: A Gateway to the World
Qatar Airways operates through Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Doha, which has earned its place as one of the world’s best airports. In 2021, 2022, and 2024, HIA was named the ‘World’s Best Airport’ by Skytrax, and it continues to be a central hub for Qatar Airways’ global operations. With its state-of-the-art facilities and passenger-centric services, HIA offers travelers a seamless and comfortable journey, whether they’re arriving, departing, or transiting through Doha.
The award-winning airport, combined with Qatar Airways’ extensive global network, allows passengers to travel to over 170 destinations worldwide. The airline's growing presence in India and its commitment to expanding connectivity globally make it one of the most important carriers in the international aviation industry.
Qatar Airways’ Growth in the Indian Market
Qatar Airways continues to grow in India and remains a key player in the Indian aviation market. With 13 major cities now served by the airline, including Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi, Qatar Airways has proven its commitment to India’s aviation sector. The airline’s services provide travelers with access to a broad range of destinations worldwide, and its focus on passenger comfort and connectivity has made it a preferred choice for travelers in India.
The partnership with Chef Garima Arora and the launch of the special business class menu are just a few examples of how Qatar Airways is continuously innovating and improving its offerings. As the airline celebrates its two major anniversaries in India, it looks forward to continuing its journey of excellence and building even stronger relationships with the Indian market.
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