Full-service airline Vistara has commenced direct flights from Mumbai to Doha in Qatar, boosting its presence in the Middle East.

Vistara, a joint venture between the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, has added to its international network with the inauguration of direct flights from Mumbai to Qatari capital Doha.

According to a press statement issued by the full-service airline, the flights will operate four times a week. The inaugural flight, UK 285, operated on A321neo aircraft, left Mumbai at 18:45 on December 15, reaching Doha at 20:30.

Vistara says that on the flight UK 285 will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, leaving Mumbai at 18:45, reaching Doha at 20:30. On the return leg, the flight UK 286 will leave Doha at 21:45 the same day, reaching Mumbai at 04:05 the next day.

The airline adds that with a consistent surge in demand for travel between India and the Middle East, Vistara has been focussing on expanding its presence in the region. The airline already offers direct connectivity to five destinations in the region, namely Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Dubai, Jeddah and Muscat.

“Based on the remarkable response to Vistara’s Middle Eastern routes, we are confident that the launch of operations to Doha will further strengthen our footprint in the region. Doha – an essential commercial hub and home to a large Indian diaspora – is Vistara’s 50th destination and the sixth in the middle east. We are excited to bring the Best Airline in India and Southern Asia to Doha with direct connectivity from Mumbai. We firmly believe that Vistara’s widely appreciated product and globally awarded service make for just the right combination to cater to the market requirements and customers’ demand,” says Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara.

“We are pleased to announce our new partnership with Vistara, linking Doha to Mumbai, a strategic collaboration that reinforces Hamad International Airport’s commitment to expanding connectivity and offering passengers unparalleled travel experiences. As Doha becomes Vistara’s 50th destination, this collaboration signifies a shared commitment to excellence and marks a milestone of its own for Hamad International Airport, underlining our dedication to facilitating seamless and enriching journeys for travellers around the world,’’ says Sujata Suri, Senior Vice President, Finance and Procurement at Hamad International Airport.