Qatar Airways expands its network in France with a new route to Lyon
- Qatar Airways inaugurated a direct route between Doha and Lyon on Monday, July 3, 2023, in the presence of Eric Odone, Vice President of Europe at Qatar Airways, and Pierre Grosmaire, Commercial and Marketing Director of Lyon Airport.
- Round-trip flights from Lyon are available from 629 euros* including taxes.
- The four weekly flights are operated by Boeing 787-8 aircraft.
July 3, 2023 – Qatar Airways is proud to announce the inauguration of its first direct flight between Doha and Lyon. Operated by a Boeing 787-8 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, this route strengthens Qatar Airways' presence in France, expanding its global network to over 160 destinations.
The inaugural flight was celebrated in both Business and Economy cabins, where passengers were welcomed with traditional French delicacies and a gourmet menu featuring high-end French cuisine. Pierre Grosmaire, Commercial and Marketing Director of Lyon Airport, welcomed the inaugural flight from Doha alongside Eric Odone, Vice President of Sales for Europe at Qatar Airways.
Travelers can now enjoy four weekly flights between Lyon and Doha, offering greater flexibility for both business and leisure travel. Departing from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport at 4:35 PM and arriving in Doha at 11:35 PM (local time) on the outbound leg, flights leave Doha at 8:25 AM and arrive in Lyon at 2:10 PM (local time) on the return leg.
Lyon is Qatar Airways' third destination in France, as the airline continues to serve Paris and Nice. The new non-stop route to Lyon is operated by a Boeing 787-8, accommodating 254 passengers, including 22 in Business Class and 232 in Economy Class.
As a global hub, Doha is a premier destination that attracts many visitors with significant events such as the Qatar Grand Prix, held from October 6-8, and the Geneva International Motor Show, taking place in Qatar for the first time this year from October 5-14, 2023.
This route will also allow residents of Lyon and its region to fly to popular destinations in North Asia, Thailand, and the Gulf countries, while attracting tourists from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa to the Rhône-Alpes region.
This route consolidates Qatar Airways' position as the leading Gulf carrier in France in terms of destinations, fully leveraging the comprehensive air services agreement with the European Union.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said : "I am delighted to announce the launch of Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight to the renowned French city of Lyon. Qatar and France mutually benefit from a long-standing strategic partnership in various fields, including diplomacy, trade, and tourism. Our expanded network in France is a testament to our fruitful cooperation, and we look forward to welcoming French and European passengers through our hub, Hamad International Airport, for seamless and exciting travel to over 160 global destinations."
Chairman of the Executive Board of Aéroports de Lyon, Mr. Tanguy Bertolus, also stated : "This new destination from Lyon showcases VINCI Airports' expertise in collaborating with airlines and its contribution to promoting regions internationally. This new route between the capital of Qatar and Lyon will enhance the attractiveness of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and the Lyon metropolitan area by offering residents more options to travel to the Middle East and Asia, particularly Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand."
In addition to the new route to Lyon, Qatar Airways continues to operate from Paris Charles-de-Gaulle Airport with 3 daily flights, and from Nice four times a week.
Customers wishing to book can access offers on qatarairways.com.
* The"Starting from" prices are subject to conditions and based on availability.
About Qatar Airways Group
Qatar Airways is a multi-award-winning airline that has won the “World’s Best Business Class” award for the tenth time at the 2023 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organization, Skytrax. The airline continues to be synonymous with excellence, also winning the awards for Best Airline in the Middle East, Best Business Class Lounge in the World, and Best Business Class Lounge Catering at the prestigious awards held during the 2023 Paris Air Show. Qatar Airways has been named Skytrax's "World's Best Airline" seven times (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2022).
Qatar Airways currently serves more than 160 destinations worldwide via its hub in Doha, Hamad International Airport, which was named “Best Airport in the World” by Skytrax in 2021 and 2022 consecutively. This year, Hamad International Airport was ranked the second-best airport globally by Skytrax and received the titles of "Best Airport in the Middle East" for the ninth consecutive time and "Best Airport in the World for Shopping." www.qatarairways.com
