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  2. Qatar Airways to cut 133 London–Doha flights; Heathrow and Gatwick schedules reduced

Qatar Airways to cut 133 London–Doha flights; Heathrow and Gatwick schedules reduced

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Checked by Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt

Last updated on February 19, 2026

133

Affected flights

2

Affected airports

1

Affected airlines

What Happened

Qatar Airways will reduce its London–Doha schedule in spring 2026, removing 133 flights between April and June. Weekly departures drop from 70 to 59 in the week beginning 1 May. Gatwick services are cut to 11 per week, while Heathrow falls from 59 to 48. The airline is reportedly reallocating some London airport slots to British Airways and is also adjusting other routes, including suspending Aleppo and reducing frequencies to Peshawar, San Francisco, Sialkot, and Venice. A smaller, 2% overall reduction is anticipated from July to October.

Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to US$650 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.

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Flight Disruption Details

Qatar Airways has announced a confirmed reduction to its London–Doha schedule for spring 2026. Between April and June, planned services fall from 951 to 818 departures, a net cut of 133 flights. The week beginning 1 May 2026 will see weekly departures reduced from 70 to 59 on the London–Doha corridor.

By airport, London Gatwick faces the sharpest change: services are reduced from roughly two daily flights (22 per week) to 11 weekly departures, with that level currently expected to continue through September. At London Heathrow, weekly departures decline from 59 to 48. These adjustments will narrow seat availability for both business and leisure travelers and could increase competition for remaining inventory as summer approaches.

According to the report, the cuts form part of a strategic reshaping of operations. Qatar Airways is reportedly returning some London airport slots—particularly at Gatwick—to its Oneworld partner British Airways.

Network changes extend beyond London. Qatar Airways is suspending its route to Aleppo and reducing frequencies to several destinations including Peshawar, San Francisco, Sialkot, and Venice. Despite the spring reductions, the airline indicates that capacity should stabilize during the summer, with an overall 2 percent reduction in London services anticipated between July and October, suggesting a move back toward more typical schedules in the later months of 2026.

Passengers booked on affected dates should review their itineraries and monitor airline notifications for rebooking options.

Know your rights

These are your air passenger rights

When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.

Up to €600 compensation

Passengers whose flights were canceled 2 weeks before departure or delayed over 3 hours may be entitled to financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per person. Check your flight.

Rerouting or refund

If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.

Care and assistance

Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.

Accommodation

If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.

Communication

Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour.

This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.

Quick facts

Summary

Disruption

Cancellations

Cause

Other

Status

Future – confirmed disruption

Compensation

May qualify for compensation

Flights affected

133

Airlines affected

Qatar Airways

Airports affected

London Heathrow Airport, London Gatwick Airport

Cities affected

London, Doha

Checked by

Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt

Date updated

February 19, 2026

What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled

If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:

Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.

Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.

Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.

Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.

Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.

Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.

If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.

Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.

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