Doha’s flag carrier become the first mainstream Gulf airline to fly to Djibouti, catering to its growing tourism with thrice-weekly flights
Qatar Airways has continued its expansion in Africa with the launch flights to Djibouti – the first by a flag and mainstream Gulf carrier – on a thrice-weekly basis from Doha’s Hamad International Airport to the Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport, the airline’s 145th global destination.
“Qatar Airways is proud to be the first Middle-Eastern airline connecting Djibouti to destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas,” said Marwan Koleilat, Chief Commercial Officer for Qatar Airways, addressing Djibouti officials. Djibouti is still underserved by international airlines despite the huge potential of its untapped natural resources and tourist opportunities.
“Djibouti is still underserved by international airlines though the destination has a huge potential with its untapped natural resources and tourist opportunities,” he continued.
Tourism is a growing sector in Djibouti, with its snorkelling and picturesque beach islands in the Gulf of Tadjoura and the Bab al-Mandab, and generates 40,000 and 53,000 arrivals a year – the majority of its touristic visitors from Europe.
Jared Lee, Qatar Airways VP for Africa, highlighted that the airline launched operations to neighbouring Ethiopia in September 2013, and revealed that December will see the addition of a third “Horn of Africa” destination with a service to the Eritrean capital of Asmara.Related article African energy stakeholders to meet leading international businesses in Washington, D.C.
U.S. Governmental agencies and leading businesses unite to explore partnerships in African energy projects.
Qatar Airways also celebrated the launch of its latest destination with a pledge to support the RAF Foundation of Qatar in the building of the “Al Amal” elementary school in Djibouti.
“With the new school in Djibouti, Qatar Airways will be contributing to the Djiboutian community, helping to provide children with educational opportunities and assisting them to become valued members of the global community,” Koleilat added.
Qatar Airways was similarly one of the first major international airlines to fly to Kilimanjaro Airport.
Kilimanjaro Airport rivals Dar es Salaam with Qatar, Turkish routes | Etihad, Qatar Airways strengthen flight links to South Africa | Djibouti initiates legal action against DP World over port concession
Djibouti is still underserved by international airlines despite the huge potential of its untapped natural resources and tourist opportunities.