Finnair has announced plans to start flights from three Nordic cities to Doha later this year.
The services from Copenhagen, Helsinki and Stockholm are expected to launch between November and December this year, and will be operated by Finnair’s A330 aircraft fitted with the carrier’s latest long-haul cabins.
Qatar will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup between November 20 and December 18.
The move is part of a strategic partnership with fellow Oneworld member Qatar Airways, which will include a codeshare agreement and “shared passenger and cargo capacity between both airlines”.
Finnair said that the two airlines were also “exploring opening services also between another European destination and Doha”.
There will be daily flights between the three Nordic capitals and Doha, with the routes being sold and marketed by both Finnair and Qatar Airways.
The Gulf carrier already operates flights from Doha to all three cities, having added flights to Helisnki back in 2016.
Finnair said that the new flights and codeshare agreement would provide connections via Doha to Qatar Airways’ network of around 100 destinations across Australasia, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, at the same time as opening up new destinations and connection opportunities across Finnair’s Nordic network for Qatar Airways’ customers.
Commenting on the news Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker, said:
“As a fellow Oneworld member, we enjoy a close relationship with Finnair and these new services to Hamad International Airport are an example of Qatar Airways working with partners for the benefit of our joint customers.
“This strategic partnership demonstrates our commitment to the Nordic markets and strengthens our position as the leading Middle East carrier in this important region. This partnership will be the foundation for the future expansion here.”
“Soon, Doha will be the Oneworld hub bringing more airline partners together than ever before. With this codeshare agreement, travellers from the Nordics will continue to have excellent connectivity to Doha with Finnair and onwards with Qatar Airways to attractive leisure and key business destinations across Asia, Africa, Australasia and the Middle East.”