World’s Best Airline, Qatar Airways, Welcomes Fifth Destination in Germany with Launch of Hamburg Flights
The national carrier of the State of Qatar, voted World’s Best Airline 2024 by Skytrax, now offers daily non-stop flights between Doha and Hamburg – the 49th European destination served by Qatar Airways, and fifth destination in Germany
The route will strengthen global economic and trade ties, with the potential to grow Hamburg’s cargo sector
HAMBURG, Germany – Qatar Airways’ first flight to Hamburg Airport (HAM) in Germany has landed today, marking the launch of daily non-stop flights from Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar, voted this year’s Best Airport and Retail in the World by Skytrax.
Hamburg becomes Qatar Airways’ fifth destination in Germany, in addition to Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and Munich, helping to meet strong demand in the market. The World’s Best Airline (Skytrax 2024) saw a 62 per cent growth in outbound passengers from Germany in 2023 compared with the previous year.
The new connection further adds to the airline’s route network of more than 170 destinations worldwide, seamlessly connecting travellers from northern Germany to Doha and beyond, while also making the metropolis of Hamburg even more accessible for people from around the world.
The route also supports economic and trade relations between northern Germany, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The flights are expected to offer up to 11 per cent growth in Hamburg’s cargo sector compared to last year.
The first flight was welcomed on the ground by Dr. Peter Tschentscher, First Mayor of Hamburg, Mr. Ali Al-Boainian, Charge de Affair of the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Berlin, Mr. Thierry Antinori, Chief Commercial Officer Qatar Airways, Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, CEO Visit Qatar, H.E. Lothar Freischlader, German Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Christian Kunsch, Hamburg Airport CEO, and Dr. Malte Heyne, CEO of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce. Hamburg Airport is the oldest commercial airport in the world and the city is a key hub for global trade and business travel.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Qatar Airways extends a warm welcome to the beautiful city of Hamburg as the latest destination to join its expansive route network, and its fifth gateway in Germany, a key market for the airline. As Qatar and Germany’s bilateral relations continue to strengthen, we are pleased to begin this route which will further reinforce important economic and trade ties between the two countries. With our centrally-located hub in Doha, we are well positioned to be able to facilitate exports from East to West and vice versa, and we look forward to seeing the growth of this route over the coming years from the World’s Best Airport and with the World’s Best Airline.”
First Mayor of Hamburg, Peter Tschentscher, said: “Hamburg is an international city with centuries-old trade relations with all continents. Good flight connections via Hamburg Airport Helmut Schmidt are important for the economy, science and culture of the Hanseatic city. Qatar Airways is one of the best and most modern airlines and is now adding Hamburg to its network of over 170 destinations with daily flights to Doha. I would like to thank everyone involved in the cooperation between our airport and Qatar Airways and wish them every success with the new flight connections from Hamburg to the rest of the world.”
Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, said: “As the World’s Best Airline, we are always striving to offer our passengers access to the award-winning Qatar Airways service and in-flight product via Hamad International Airport, voted the World’s Best Airport and Airport Retail by Skytrax in 2024, and our new route between Doha and Hamburg is evidence of this commitment. We are proud to offer our customers from northern Germany one of the most modern and comfortable aircraft choices in the world to travel to some of their favourite destinations, whether for business or leisure.”
Visit Qatar Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Abdulaziz Ali AL Mawlawi, said: “We at Visit Qatar are pleased to participate in yet another significant milestone for Qatar Airways and Qatar’s thriving tourism sector. This expansion will bolster Qatar's global connectivity and underscore our commitment to becoming a leading tourist destination. The visitor experience in Qatar is distinguished by exceptional service, diverse offerings, and immersive activities. By welcoming German visitors, we foster cultural exchange and enrich the tourism landscape.”
Hamburg Airport Chief Executive Officer, Christian Kunsch, said: “We warmly welcome Qatar Airways to Hamburg Airport. As the commercial airport of northern Germany's largest city, it is our aim to be well connected internationally. The new connection from Hamburg to Doha, one of the most important and fastest-growing hubs, greatly increases connectivity between Hamburg and the world. Our passengers can now look forward to even more flexibility in their travel planning, while Hamburg continues to gain in importance as a business location and travel destination."
CEO of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, Dr Malte Heyne, said: "As Germany's most important foreign trade centre, international accessibility is a key factor for Hamburg. The direct connection to Qatar Airways’ Doha hub strengthens Hamburg’s links to global trade. Direct flight connections are an important factor for the attractiveness of investors and tourists as well as for the organisation of international congresses and events."
With its central location, Hamad International Airport in Doha, is an ideal connecting point for long-distance travel from Germany. The Qatar Airways route network includes popular long-haul destinations for German travellers, such as the Maldives, Singapore, Philippines, Bangkok and Cape Town, as well as some hidden gems such as Goa in India, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Chengdu in China. The flight times to popular long-haul destinations are optimally coordinated with flight connections ensuring a seamless travel experience for all passengers.
Flight Schedule to Hamburg:
Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday (all local time)
For more information and to book your flight, visit www.qatarairways.com or download our app.
Telephone: +49 40 – 5075 3611 │ Email: presse@ham.airport.de
Internet: www.hamburg-airport.de │ Newsletter: www.hamburg-airport.de/de/newsletter.php
Twitter press office: www.twitter.com/HAM_Presse
About Qatar Airways
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways won the ‘World’s Best Airline’ for an unprecedented ninth time at the 2025 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. Qatar Airways was previously named the World’s Best Airline in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024.
The airline continues to be synonymous with excellence, and has yet again received recognition for ‘World's Best Business Class’, and ‘World's Best Business Class Airline Lounge’. As the leading connector in the region, Qatar Airways has also been lauded with the ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’ title for the 13 time.
Qatar Airways currently flies to over 170 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ for 11 consecutive years, as well as ‘World’s Best Airport Shopping’ for the third year in a row, as voted by Skytrax. Hamad International Airport has previously been named the ‘World’s Best Airport’ by Skytrax in 2021, 2022, and 2024.
Qatar Airways was the first Airline in the Middle East to be certified to the highest level of IATA’s Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) programme, based on recognised environmental management system principles (such as ISO 14001). As an inaugural signatory to the Buckingham Palace Declaration in March 2016, Qatar Airways became the first airline globally to be certified to the industry standard for the prevention of illegal wildlife trafficking in aviation.
Contact details
Related topics
Related news
Qatar Airways Resumes Operations in Iraq and Syria, Returns to Full Flight Schedule in Lebanon and Jordan
DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways has confirmed the resumption of its full flight operations to Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria following the lifting of airspace restrictions in the region.
Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines Commence Daily Flights from Manila to Doha as Part of Strategic Partnership
DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines celebrate the new daily service between Manila and Doha with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Hamad International Airport (DOH).
Qatar Airways Expands Services to North and South America, Increasing Flights to Toronto and São Paulo
DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways is broadening horizons for travellers to and from the Americas with its upcoming increase in flights to Toronto and São Paulo. Reaffirming its focus on serving growing d...
Qatar Airways to Restart Flights to Aleppo, Syria
DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways today announces the resumption of three weekly flights to Aleppo, Syria from 10 August 2025. The flights will be increased to four weekly flights from 1 September 2025.
Qatar Airways Lands Again in Malta, Continues to Expand its Network and Increase Global Connectivity
DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways resumes operations today in Malta with four non-stop flights a week between Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Malta International Airport (MLA). The latest addition ...
Qatar Airways Resumes Operations in Iraq and Syria, Returns to Full Flight Schedule in Lebanon and Jordan
DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways has confirmed the resumption of its full flight operations to Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria following the lifting of airspace restrictions in the region.
Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines Commence Daily Flights from Manila to Doha as Part of Strategic Partnership
DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines celebrate the new daily service between Manila and Doha with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Hamad International Airport (DOH).
Qatar Airways Expands Services to North and South America, Increasing Flights to Toronto and São Paulo
DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways is broadening horizons for travellers to and from the Americas with its upcoming increase in flights to Toronto and São Paulo. Reaffirming its focus on serving growing d...
Qatar Airways to Restart Flights to Aleppo, Syria
DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways today announces the resumption of three weekly flights to Aleppo, Syria from 10 August 2025. The flights will be increased to four weekly flights from 1 September 2025.
Qatar Airways Lands Again in Malta, Continues to Expand its Network and Increase Global Connectivity
DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways resumes operations today in Malta with four non-stop flights a week between Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Malta International Airport (MLA). The latest addition ...
Qatar Airways Resumes Operations in Iraq and Syria, Returns to Full Flight Schedule in Lebanon and Jordan
DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways has confirmed the resumption of its full flight operations to Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria following the lifting of airspace restrictions in the region.
Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines Commence Daily Flights from Manila to Doha as Part of Strategic Partnership
DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines celebrate the new daily service between Manila and Doha with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Hamad International Airport (DOH).
Qatar Airways Expands Services to North and South America, Increasing Flights to Toronto and São Paulo
DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways is broadening horizons for travellers to and from the Americas with its upcoming increase in flights to Toronto and São Paulo. Reaffirming its focus on serving growing d...