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Qatar Airways plans fierce expansion in India to beat Gulf rivals

Enhancement of capacity entitlements from 24,292 seats per week to 66,374 seats

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Qatar Airways stewardesses pose at the International Tourism Trade Fair ITB in Berlin (Photo: Reuters)

Arindam Majumder New Delhi
Doha-based Qatar Airways has sought a significant increase in capacity entitlements and access to seven new cities as it aims to counter the growth of its rivals — Etihad Airways and Emirates — in India. 

Documents reviewed by Business Standard show that Qatar is planning to start direct flights to several cities where it doesn’t have a presence, while increasing frequency by four times on its current routes. 

Recently, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Akbar Al-Baker had announced starting a fully-owned airline in India, signalling an ambitious expansion plan in the country.

Qatar has asked for a weekly quota