Qatar Airways launches third Iran destination

Qatar Airways has announced that will commence flights to Shiraz, Iran later this year. The twice-weekly service will be the airline’s third route to Iran and is its 101st destination. Its first flight will depart Doha on 5 June. “Qatar Airways is pleased to be bringing its third route to Iran online in early June,” said Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways. “Iran is still largely underserved by international carriers and Shiraz in particular presents Qatar Airways with an opportunity to target new business.” He explained that the airline was targeting Iranian expats in other countries with the route launch. “Iranian expatriates number between four and five million people, with many living in Europe and North America,” said Al Baker. “We have good connections from these continents to Shiraz through our Doha hub, so facilitating travel for this expatriate community would soon be much easier.” Al Baker added that the airline would look to add more flights and boost capacity if it proves to be successful. Qatar Airways already operates double daily flights to Tehran and five operations a week to Mashad.