Qatar Airways celebrated the start of its new direct non-stop service from Doha to Chiang Mai yesterday at Chiang Mai International Airport, after its first flight was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute (below). The newly-launched seasonal service to Thailand’s second biggest city will operate a four times-weekly schedule from Doha, with a flight time of just over six hours.

His Excellency Mr. Jassim bin Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, the Qatari Minister of Transport and Communications, said: “Today’s inaugural flight to historic Chiang Mai marks further growth in the already strong bonds between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Thailand. I am very proud that our national flag carrier, Qatar Airways, now flies to four beautiful destinations in Thailand and will soon add its fifth with Pattaya joining their global network in January. The increase in business, tourism and trade between our two nations that these flights support cannot be underestimated and it gives me great pleasure to celebrate with the people of Chiang Mai on this occasion.”

H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “We are excited to be adding historic Chiang Mai as our fourth destination in Thailand to our extensive global route network. Thailand continues to grow in popularity with holiday-makers seeking to explore and relax in this beautiful country. The new route we have launched today reflects the increasing demand from our customers across our network for more high-quality leisure destinations, especially in the Far East.

“With the choice of four flights a week, passengers travelling from Chiang Mai are now connected seamlessly to more than 150 destinations, via our state-of-the-art hub in Doha. Next year we will add a fifth Thai destination to our network when we expand our services to include Pattaya, starting January 28, 2018.”

Doha – Chiang Mai Flight Schedule:

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday

Doha (DOH) to Chiang Mai (CNX) QR822 departs: 19:55 arrives: 06:00

Chiang Mai – Doha Flight Schedule:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

Chiang Mai (CNX) to Doha (DOH) QR823 departs: 07:10 arrives: 10:55