By Suleman Chitera
Many airlines have changed their plans because of the war in Iran and the many consequences of it. They have reduced flights, shortened the operating periods of routes, cut links, and suspended services. Recent analysis explored Lufthansa suspending 25 routes, and Turkish Airlines pausing flights to 23 cities.
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Qatar Airways has suspended service to 22 cities, although many other routes that were paused have since returned. Of course, it is not all bad news. Despite its Airbus A380s remaining grounded, they’ll be flown again next month, albeit two weeks later than previously planned. And the oneworld member has confirmed a new route to Bogotá and Caracas, along with returning to Helsinki and Tokyo Haneda.
Four Cities In Europe Remain Suspended
Using Qatar Airways’ schedule submission to Cirium Diio identifies that it currently does not fly from its Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) hub to Malta, Sarajevo, Sofia, or Venice. They are all relatively small markets for the airline.
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For obvious reasons, network carriers do not usually suspend major routes. Instead, they are prioritized, as they are disproportionately significant in traffic and revenue terms and for their network contribution. These four cities, and the other 18 mentioned later in the article, may be loss-making, especially with the rising fuel price, or have a less important network role, especially during a very challenging period.
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As of May 13, flights to three of the cities are due to return in mid-September, although the plan could easily change again. Qatar Airways will again fly to Malta (four weekly Airbus A320ceo), Sofia (four weekly A320ceo), and Venice (four weekly A320ceo). Service to Sarajevo was planned to resume then too, but all future flights have been removed. It is unknown if this change is temporary or permanent