The Air Transport and Aerocommercial Affairs Directorate of the Special Administrative Unit of Civil Aeronautics (Aerocivil) of Colombia confirmed that Qatar Airways has requested authorization to operate regular flights between Doha (DOH) and Bogotá (BOG), with a technical stop in Caracas (CCS). The airline proposed two weekly frequencies on this route, relying on traffic rights up to the fourth freedom of the air.
According to the document issued by Aerocivil, the service would be operated using Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. This step is part of the administrative process to evaluate the viability of the operation, subject to current regulations and the requirements established by the Colombian entity.
This request marks progress in Qatar Airways’ plans to expand its presence in Latin America. In November 2024, the airline requested slots at Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport to begin operations in June 2025. Although initially planning four weekly frequencies, the request submitted to Aerocivil contemplates two weekly flights, indicating an adjustment in the airline’s operational strategy.
If approved, this route would be Qatar Airways’ first regular passenger operation in Colombia, enhancing connectivity options with the Middle East.
Currently, Qatar Airways operates two daily flights between Doha and São Paulo/Guarulhos, one with an Airbus A350-1000 and the other with a Boeing 777-200LR. Additionally, the airline serves multiple cities in North America, including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Washington-Dulles, Houston-Intercontinental, New York-JFK, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago-O’Hare, Seattle, San Francisco, and Montreal.
Before the pandemic, Qatar Airways also operated flights to Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a stop in São Paulo. However, despite announcing in March 2023 that it would return in December, the airline ultimately postponed this decision without setting a new date.
It is worth noting that Qatar Airways and LATAM maintain a codeshare agreement, which could open LATAM’s Latin American destinations to the Middle Eastern airline, expanding its network in the region. This would create a competitive offer against the current market penetration of Emirates in Latin America, which operates flights to Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina.
Administrative process and next steps
In line with the publicity principle established by Aerocivil, information related to this request will be available for three business days on the entity’s website, allowing interested parties to submit observations or comments.
The final decision will depend on a technical evaluation and the terms of the bilateral agreement between Colombia and Qatar, which governs traffic rights and air frequencies between the two countries.
