Lisbon, June 19, 2026 (Lusa) - Qatar Airways resumed flights this week between Lisbon and Doha, the capital of Qatar, with seven weekly services, strengthening its operations in Portugal at a time when the airline is seeing increased demand for long-haul travel.

In a statement, the airline said that the resumption of the Lisbon route is part of an expansion of its European network, including operations from 41 airports in the UK and across Europe, following the resumption of flights to cities such as Prague (Czech Republic), Zagreb (Croatia), Brussels (Belgium), Budapest (Hungary), Oslo (Norway), Belgrade (Serbia) and Düsseldorf (Germany).

The airline added that average flight load factors in Europe are rising by between 3% and 5% per week, a sign of “strong and accelerating” demand during the summer season.

According to Qatar Airways, Japan is one of the fastest-growing leisure destinations among European travellers, with recent sales to that market up 63% compared with the same period last year.

The airline also highlighted a shift in passenger preferences, with travellers showing growing interest in destinations considered to offer a high-value experience, such as Australia, Thailand and Japan.

By contrast, markets traditionally associated with trips to visit family and friends, such as India and Pakistan, account for a relatively smaller share of current demand.

According to the company, the figures reflect a broader recovery in non-essential long-haul travel, as consumers prioritise experiences and destinations considered top of their travel lists.

PYR/AYLS // AYLS

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