National carrier Qatar Airways has launched its non-stop flights to Nagpur, the third largest city in the Indian state of Maharashtra, from its hub Doha, thus taking the airline’s total weekly passenger flights from 95 to 102 across 13 key cities in India.

A major trade and business centre, Nagpur has been identified as one of the flagship smart metropolises by the Government of India, with a special economic zone, multi-modal international cargo hub and a new airport in the pipeline.

Qatar Airways will operate an A320 daily between Doha and Nagpur with an average flight time of just over four hours, said a statement from the national carrier.

The debut flight QR 588 left Doha’s Hamad International Airport at 7.55pm on Tuesday (December 1) and landed in Nagpur at 2.15am the next day. On return, QR 589 departed at 3.45am and arrived in Doha 5.55am on Wednesday.

With this launch, the residents of Nagpur can now travel to more than 150 destinations worldwide through seamless connections offered at Hamad International Airport in Doha, it stated.

The aircraft will feature 144 seats in a two-class configuration of 12 seats in Business Class and 132 seats in Economy.

Commenting on the launch, Group CEO Akbar Al Baker, said: "We are delighted to add Nagpur as Qatar Airways’ 13th destination in India. The additional service is evidence of the growing demand in the Indian market and further strengthens our commitment and focus in the region."

Qatar Airways, he stated, was proud of the fact that it served more destinations in India than any other country in its network.

"Leisure and business travellers from Nagpur can now experience enhanced connectivity to more than 150 international destinations through seamless connections via Doha’s Hamad International Airport. We look forward to welcoming new passengers on-board our award-winning product, and to connect Nagpur to the rest of our rapidly expanding network," he added.

Qatar Airways connects 13 cities in India to an exciting choice of destinations via its hub in Doha including Chicago, Dallas, Houston, London, Miami, New York, Paris, Philadelphia, Barcelona, Rome aand Washington DC.-TradeArabia News Service