Qatar Airways has operated over 400 flights to and from Malta since the start of its Malta operations last summer.

The total aircraft movements (take-offs & landings) for the period between it launched operations on 4 June 2019, and 14 February 2020 was 416.

Qatar Airways' first touch-down at Malta International Airport in June marked the launch of a daily operation between Malta and Doha during the summer months. The award-winning airline is now operating four weekly flights - Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays - as part of the airport's winter flight schedule, which runs until March 2020.

With over 160 destinations served in Asia and the Pacific, the Americas, and Africa, Qatar Airways' service from Malta does not only serve as a point-to-point connection to the Qatari capital, but also as a bridge to long-haul destinations and travel hotspots such as Tanzania, Bali and the Maldives.

Qatar Airways operates its short, medium and long-haul flights with a fleet of over 250 narrow-body and wide-body Airbus and Boeing aircraft. 

A Wonderful Stopover

Travellers who would be stopping in Doha before catching a connecting flight, can choose to turn their transit into a 'wonderful stopover' with Qatar Airways' current offer, which is valid for travel until 31 December 2020. 

The benefits of opting for a 'wonderful stopover' include a stay of up to four nights in a 4-star or 5-star hotel at a nominal booking fee starting from USD 23 / QAR 84 as well as the possibility of seeing more of Qatar through the Qatar Stopover Programme. Designed by Qatar Airways and its destination management division, Discover Qatar, in collaboration with the National Tourism Council, the Qatar Stopover Programme is tailor-made for passengers who would be transiting through Doha on their way to their final destination.

For more information about the 'wonderful stopover' programme, you may visit https://www.qatarairways.com/en/offers/qatar-stopover.html.

About Hamad International Airport and the airport's plans for an expansion

Hamad International Airport (HIA) has revealed plans for its second expansion phase to an international audience of real estate investors at Cityscape Qatar. HIA's expansion project will feature a spectacular 10,000 sqm indoor tropical garden in a central concourse as well as a 268 sqm water feature which will be the focal point of the expansion project.

The second phase of HIA's expansion consists of Phase A and B. Phase A of the current expansion will comprise of the central concourse linking concourses D and E. Construction is to commence by early 2020 and will increase the airport's capacity to more than 53 million passengers annually by 2022. Phase B, which will be completed after 2022, will extend concourses D and E to further enhance the airport's capacity to more than 60 million passengers annually. 

The expansion plan also includes 11,720 sqm of landscaped retail and F&B space, which will enhance the multi-dimensional offerings of the five-star airport by integrating world-class art collections and a refreshing environment of lush greenery with contemporary retail and dining concepts among other leisure attractions and facilities under one expansive terminal.

HIA will also deliver 9,000 sqm of world-class Al Mourjan lounge located above the retail space with dramatic views looking towards the tropical garden. The lounge will include additional spas, gymnasiums, restaurants and business centres as well as other passenger facilities.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: "The expansion of Hamad

The terminal building will be the first airport in the MENA region to achieve a 4-star Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) rating, which is the first performance-based system in the MENA region, developed for rating the green buildings and infrastructures. The terminal will also be a LEED Silver certified building with innovative measures of energy efficiency across the entire building.

Other significant features include a new transfer area which will help shorten passengers' connection times and improve their overall transfer experience at HIA as well as the central concourse that will accommodate nine additional wide-body aircraft stands.

HIA expansion will also see the construction of a new cargo terminal that will increase capacity handled to an estimated 3.2 million tons per year. The state-of-the-art terminal is slated to be ready by 2023 and will be a multi-level facility with 85,000 sqm building footprint, across three levels as well as three mezzanine levels providing approximately 323,000 sqm of gross floor area.

HIA was ranked as the fourth-best airport in the world and the best airport in the Middle East at the SKYTRAX World Airport Awards 2019, is now in its sixth year of operations. It has served over 187 million passengers at its state-of-the-art terminal since opening in 2014 to date. HIA is currently a candidate for "World Best Airport" for the SKYTRAX World Airport Awards 2020.

Top Sights and Experiences in Doha   

1.      The Souq Waqif & The Falcon Souq

Doha's cultural hub, where one can shop for souvenirs, enjoy a variety of dining options, and mingle with locals. Despite its recent regeneration, the Souq Waqif remains one of the most traditional marketplaces, where a truly authentic Middle Eastern experience can be enjoyed. Just around the corner from this market is another unmissable attraction: The Falcon Souq. One is likely to emerge from this market with a newfound appreciation for the importance of falconry to the Arabic culture. 

2.       The Museum of Islamic Art & The National Museum of Qatar

Doha is home to a number of museums, with the Museum of Islamic Art being a world-class landmark and a favourite with visitors. Designed by revered architect I.M. Pei (who also designed the glass pyramid at the Louvre), the museum building is an attraction in its own right and houses Islamic artefacts dating from the 7th to the 19th centuries. This museum is located on the Doha corniche; a seven-kilometre long promenade. Another architecturally stunning museum is the National Museum of Qatar, whose intricate design was inspired by the form of the desert rose, which grows in Qatar's desert regions. This museum is dedicated to bringing to life the story of Qatar and its people through vibrant exhibits and immersive experiences suited to all ages.

3.       A Desert Adventure

A desert adventure should rank high on the itinerary of every visitor, especially thrill seekers who are not afraid of bumpy rides. A desert adventure can include anything from dune bashing and camel rides, to sandboarding and just watching the sun sink into the spectacular sandy landscape. For keen stargazers, a night in the desert can prove to be a heavenly treat due to the lack of light pollution.

4.      A Dhow Cruise

Doha's skyline makes for quite the spectacle, which is best enjoyed (and photographed) while leisurely cruising the Arabic Gulf in a dhow (a traditional Qatari sailing boat) at sunset.

Quick Facts

• Doha is the capital and most populous city of the State of Qatar, and is listed as one of the seven New Urban Wonders of the World
• Qatar will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup games; 9 new stadiums will be built by 2022 and 3 existing ones will be renovated
• TheHamad International Airport in Qatarwas opened in 2014, and can to handle around 50 million passengers each year
• Qatar's national animal, the Arabian Oryx, was extinct by the 1970s, but a special programme led to its reintroduction in 1980
• The 'Inland Sea' or Khor Al Adaid is a UNESCO-recognised natural reserve with its own ecosystem and is one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches deep into the heart of the desert
• The oil and gas industries account for around 50% of Qatar's GDP
• The seasons in Qatar can be broadly grouped into two: The Hot Season (May to October) during which temperatures can even reach the eye-watering 50˚C mark and The Cool Season (December to February). March, April and November are considered to be transitional months in terms of weather
• The currency used is the Qatari Riyal