DOHA- In a surprising turn of events, Qatar Airways (QR) has announced the suspension of its direct flight service between Toulouse (TLS), the home of Airbus, and Doha (DOH), less than a year after its launch.
The final flight is scheduled for September 29, 2024, marking the end of a route that, despite its popularity, failed to meet economic expectations.
Qatar Airways to Stop Doha-Toulouse Flight
Bruno Balerdi, commercial director of Toulouse-Blagnac airport, explained the decision, stating, “An economic equilibrium is yet to be found” for the route operator. This comes as a blow to the more than 60,000 passengers who have utilized the service since its inception on July 18, 2023.
The thrice-weekly route, operated by Qatar Airways, has consistently achieved impressive load factors, with 75% to 80% of seats typically filled. However, the airline found itself caught in a challenging situation.
The initial aircraft, an Airbus A330-200 with 225 seats, proved inadequate, leading to an upgrade to the larger 305-seat Airbus A330-300. Paradoxically, this larger aircraft has now been deemed oversized for the route’s needs.
“We’ve been in discussions with the airline for several weeks, in particular, to bring a smaller aircraft on line to make the route more profitable,” Balerdi revealed to the connexionfrance. “Unfortunately, no aircraft meeting these criteria is currently available in its fleet.”
Facing Profitability Challenges
The route’s struggles weren’t limited to aircraft size. A combination of factors contributed to its financial underperformance.
To attract customers, Qatar Airways kept ticket prices competitive, resulting in thin profit margins per seat. This strategy necessitated higher sales volumes to maintain viability, a delicate balance that proved difficult to achieve.
Moreover, the airline faced challenges in two key areas: business class sales and cargo transportation. With 30 business class seats available per flight, the lack of uptake in this premium segment significantly impacted revenue. Similarly, returns from cargo transportation fell short of expectations, further straining the route’s profitability.
Major Setback for Toulouse-Blagnac Airport
The suspension of the Toulouse-Doha route comes as a setback to Toulouse-Blagnac airport’s ambitions to expand its long-haul international offerings. The airport recently celebrated the addition of a direct flight to Montreal (YUL), underscoring its commitment to enhancing global connectivity.
As the final flight approaches, questions linger about the future of this route. While there’s no certainty about its reopening, the airport remains optimistic about finding a solution. The search for a more suitable aircraft continues, leaving the door open for a potential revival of the service in the future.
This development serves as a reminder of the complex economics behind airline route planning and the delicate balance between passenger demand and operational profitability.
As Toulouse-Blagnac Airport and Qatar Airways reflect on this experience, the aviation industry watches closely, recognizing the challenges of maintaining long-haul routes in an ever-evolving market.
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The post Qatar Airways Ending Doha to Toulouse Flight Within A Year appeared first on Aviation A2Z.