Travel between Miami and the Middle East is becoming more accessible. Qatar Airways, the state-owned airline, will increase its weekly flights from Miami International Airport to Doha from 10 to 12 starting December 16 for the winter season.

This expansion follows an increase just eight months prior, when Qatar Airways raised its weekly service from seven to ten flights, indicating a recognition of Miami\’s growth and a desire from Gulf nations to strengthen ties with South Florida. At that time, Miami was one of only five cities worldwide and the sole U.S. city to experience an uptick in Qatar Airways flights.

Flight Information

The newly added flights will depart Doha early on Mondays and Wednesdays, arriving in late morning and then leaving Miami late at night on the same days, as stated by the airline this week. Additionally, Qatar Airways has introduced an eighth daily flight to London, increased its service to Male in the Maldives to 28 weekly flights, and added an eleventh weekly flight to Tokyo for the upcoming winter season. Notably, Miami stands as the only city in the U.S. receiving enhanced flight services.

“Our expanded winter holiday schedule is a direct response to our passengers\’ desire for memorable travel experiences,” said Thierry Antinori, chief commercial officer of Qatar Airways, in a statement released on August 19. The airline operates over 170 destinations globally and was recognized by international air transport rating organization Skytrax as the world’s best airline for eight consecutive years up until 2024.

A Decade of Growth

Since Qatar Airways commenced service between Miami and Doha in 2014 with four weekly flights—marking it as its sixth U.S. destination—traffic between South Florida and Doha has grown substantially. Initially facing no competition from other Middle Eastern airlines, it now contends with El Al\’s daily flights between MIA and Tel Aviv as well as Emirates offering daily connections between Dubai and Miami. In June, Emirates added a daily flight linking MIA with Bogota; according to aviation analytics firm Cirium, this number is set to rise from 28 to 31 by December.

The escalation in services reflects Arab Gulf countries\’ increasing business relations with Latin America while viewing Miami as pivotal within that strategy; they are also investing in infrastructure projects there.

Qatar Airways’ strengthened presence in Florida represents an economic advantage for this Middle Eastern nation linked closely with Miami. The country hosted last year\’s World Cup won by Argentina—featuring star player Lionel Messi—who currently resides in South Florida and playing for Inter Miami FC. Furthermore, Qatar Airways holds a long-term contract with FIFA through until the 2030 World Cup; several matches will take place in co-hosting the United States during the 2026 World Cup.

Qatar also sponsors Formula One racing events; it held a race at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens last May for a second consecutive year. However, it is simultaneously engaged in a comprehensive multi-year marketing initiative aimed at enhancing its global image following criticism regarding the treatment of migrant workers who constructed World Cup facilities. According to a report by Human Rights Watch released in 2023, “migrant workers who contributed significantly towards making the 2022 World Cup feasible continue facing serious violations including unexplained fatalities, injuries, unpaid salaries, and exorbitant recruitment fees despite reforms.”

In related developments, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava visited Qatar in 2022 where she met environment minister Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali Al Thani on a trip initially financed by Qatar’s government. Included on that trip was her campaign manager Christian Ulvert who also manages public relations contracts with Qatar’s U.S embassy.

Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions during the Israel-Hamas conflict wherein Hamas officials were provided refuge by Qatar—an entity designated as a terrorist group by Washington due to their involvement in attacks resulting in over 1,400 Israeli civilian casualties on October 7—these dynamics have further complicated relations.