Qatar Airways adds fourth Thailand destination by connecting Chiang Mai

December 13, 2017: State-owned Qatar Airways continues its expansion by adding new routes. The latest is the start of new direct non-stop service from Doha to Chiang Mai in Thailand. The maiden Qatar Airways flight was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute at Chiang Mai International Airport. Chiang Mai is Qatar’s fourth destination in Thailand.

The newly-launched seasonal service to Thailand’s second biggest city will operate a four-times-weekly schedule from Doha, with a flight time of just over six hours.

The Qatari Minister of Transport and Communications, Jassim bin Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti travelled on board the inaugural flight with Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, and the Thai Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Soonthorn Chaiyindeepum. Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, the group was received by the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Thailand, Weerasak Kowsurat; Chiang Mai Governor, Pawin Chamniprasart; executive vice president, general manager of Chiang Mai International Airport, Squadron Leader Monthanik Rakngam; Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Yuthasak Supasorn and deputy governor for International Marketing Europe, Africa, Middle East and the Americas, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Srisuda Wanapinyosak.

Jassim bin Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, said, “I am very proud that our national flag carrier, Qatar Airways, now flies to four beautiful destinations in Thailand and will soon add its fifth with Pattaya joining their global network in January. The increase in business, tourism and trade between our two nations that these flights support cannot be underestimated, and it gives me great pleasure to celebrate with the people of Chiang Mai on this occasion.”

Akbar Al Baker added, “We are excited to be adding Chiang Mai as our fourth destination in Thailand to our extensive global route network. Thailand continues to grow in popularity with holiday-makers seeking to explore and relax in this beautiful country. The new route we have launched today reflects the increasing demand from our customers across our network for more high-quality leisure destinations, especially in the Far East.”

The Thai Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Soonthorn Chaiyindeepum commented, “Qatar Airway’s new direct service to wonderful Chiang Mai strengthens the deep and strong bonds of friendship that exist between the people of Qatar and Thailand. This new route will further enhance that relationship, connecting Chiang Mai to Qatar Airways’ extensive global network and helping to open up and develop new markets for business and leisure travellers from around the world.”

Qatar Airways will operate the new four-times-a-week service to Chiang Mai with an Airbus A330-200 aircraft, which features 24 seats in Business Class and 236 seats in Economy Class. Passengers will be able to enjoy the airline’s superior entertainment system, offering up to 4,000 entertainment options. The seasonal service will operate from December 12 until May 2018 and will resume once again for the winter 2018 season in October 2018.

Qatar Airways Cargo currently offers belly service on Bangkok and Phuket routes. With the introduction of passenger flights to Chiang Mai, the overall cargo capacity out of Thailand will increase to over 800 tonnes a week, supporting local businesses through the direct transit of goods, as well as exporting fresh fruits and vegetables from Northern Thailand. Qatar Airways’ expanding global network provides local businesses with extensive connectivity to markets in Europe and the Americas via Doha.