The new service makes London Gatwick Qatar’s sixth gateway into the United Kingdom and second gateway to London (it already serves London Heathrow).

Over the northern summer period, flights to London Gatwick will further increase to 16 services per week.

Qatar Airways group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, said the airline was very proud of its strong and extensive trade ties with the UK.

Gatwick Airport chief executive, Stewart Wingate, said: “I am delighted to mark the start of this double daily service to Doha today as Qatar Airways’ extensive route network offers passengers more choice of onward destinations, including those across Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Qatar Airways is also one of the world’s premier airlines and provides a level of service that is sure to prove popular with our passengers.

“This new route also strengthens Gatwick’s growing long-haul network, which has more than 60 routes and we hope to grow it further still in coming months.”

This northern summer Qatar Airways will operate 95 flights to the UK per week, including six daily departures to London Heathrow, 16 weekly departures to London Gatwick and Manchester, and daily flights to Cardiff and Edinburgh, alongside seven flights per week to Birmingham.  Edited by Peter Needham for e Global Travel Media