DOHA, Qatar – To announce the launch of Qatar Airways flights to Langkawi, Malaysia, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, hosted a press conference today at the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

The press conference was attended by Qatari Ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency Mr. Fahad Mohammed Kafoud, Chief Minister of the State of Kedah, Dato’ Seri Mukhriz Tun Mahathir and Chief Executive Officer of Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Dr. Hezri Bin Adnan.

The new service to Langkawi, starting 15 October 2019, is part of the airline’s strong expansion plans in Southeast Asia and marks Qatar Airways’ third destination in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Qatar Airways will initially start with four-times weekly Langkawi tag services via Penang with an increase up to five-times weekly services from 27 October 2019 on its state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring 22 seats in Business class and 232 seats in Economy class, with spacious cabins and specially-designed interiors.

Forested hills, stunning white-sand beaches and glimmering turquoise waters are among the reasons why travellers enjoy Langkawi Island, an archipelago of 99 picturesque islands surrounded by the azure Andaman Sea on Malaysia’s west coast. Known as ‘the Jewel of Kedah, Langkawi is home to lush tropical rainforests and mangroves rich in flora and fauna. Furthermore, the island was listed among Travel + Leisure’s 50 best places to visit in 2019.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Langkawi is one of the most highly sought-after destinations in Malaysia and I am certain our flights will help increase accessibility and boost inbound tourism to this beautiful archipelago. With five weekly flights to Langkawi, our service offers a gateway for passengers to travel and experience Langkawi’s magnificent offerings. We also aim to offer greater connectivity for passengers travelling from Malaysia to our extensive global network of over 160 destinations. Our new flights reflects our commitment to growing our presence not just in Malaysia, but in Asia as well.”

Chief Minister of the State of Kedah, Dato’ Seri Mukhriz Tun Mahathir, said: “I’m thrilled to know that Qatar Airways’ service expansion now includes the magnificent Langkawi as this will definitely lead to greater opportunities not only for Malaysia’s burgeoning tourism industry, but for Kedah as well. Qatar Airways’ service to Langkawi will soon bring the world right to the doorstep of the island, allowing them to experience the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark in all its majesty.”

Chief Executive Officer of Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Dr. Hezri Bin Adnan said: “The launch of Qatar Airways’ direct services to Langkawi certainly bodes well for the island and goes in line with our plans of further cementing its position as an international tourist destination. Not only that, it also augurs well for Langkawi’s economy and tourism industry as we get ready to welcome visitors from across the globe to experience the island’s distinctive culture and scenic views at one of the finest tropical gems in Malaysia.”

Qatar Airways seamlessly connects passengers from Malaysia to more than 160 destinations across six continents via its award-winning Hamad International Airport in Doha.

The National Carrier of the State of Qatar has launched a host of exciting new destinations in 2019, including Lisbon, Portugal; Malta; Rabat, Morocco; Davao, Philippines; Izmir, Turkey; and Mogadishu, Somalia; and will add Gaborone, Botswana to its extensive network in October 2019.

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘Airline of the Year’ for the fifth time by the 2019 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also named ‘World’s Best Business Class,’ ‘Best Business Class Seat,’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’.

Flight Schedule from 15 October 2019:
Service operates Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday

Doha (DOH) to Penang (PEN) QR 866 departs 02:25, arrives 15:00
Penang (PEN) to Langkawi (LGK) departs 16:25, arrives 17:05

Langkawi (LGK) to Penang (PEN) QR 867 departs 19:00, arrives 19:40
Penang (PEN) to Doha (DOH) departs 21:00, arrives 23:45

* Schedule on the 15th October is subject to vary

Flight Schedule from 27 October 2019:

Service operates Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Doha (DOH) to Penang (PEN) QR 866 departs 02:10, arrives 14:20
Penang (PEN) to Langkawi (LGK) departs 15:30, arrives 16:20

Langkawi (LGK) to Penang (PEN) QR 867 departs 18:40, arrives 19:40
Penang (PEN) to Doha (DOH) departs 20:35, arrives 23:25