Qatar Airways has significantly expanded its network in the Americas, adding 18 new destinations through enhanced codeshare agreements with Aer Lingus and LEVEL. The partnerships provide travelers with more seamless connections to key cities in the United States and South America via Dublin and Barcelona.
Key Takeaways
- Qatar Airways has expanded its network by 18 destinations in the U.S. and South America.
- The expansion is a result of new codeshare agreements with IAG carriers Aer Lingus and LEVEL.
- New routes are accessible via connecting flights at Dublin Airport (DUB) and Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN).
- Passengers can now book flights to cities like Las Vegas, Miami, Buenos Aires, and Santiago under a single Qatar Airways ticket.
- Privilege Club members can earn and redeem Avios on all new codeshare routes.
Expanded Connectivity to North America via Dublin
Qatar Airways has deepened its existing partnership with Aer Lingus, Ireland's national carrier. This move builds on a codeshare agreement first established in 2024, now covering a broader range of transatlantic routes.
Passengers flying with Qatar Airways can now connect through Dublin Airport (DUB) to 11 destinations across the United States. This provides a new, efficient gateway for travelers from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa to reach major American cities.
New U.S. Destinations with Aer Lingus
The codeshare agreement includes Aer Lingus flights from Dublin to the following U.S. cities:
- Boston (BOS)
- Bradley International (BDL)
- Cleveland (CLE)
- Indianapolis (IND)
- Las Vegas (LAS) - coming soon
- Minneapolis (MSP)
- Nashville (BNA)
- Newark (EWR)
- Orlando (MCO)
- Philadelphia (PHL)
- Washington Dulles (IAD)
The Dublin Pre-Clearance Advantage
A significant benefit for travelers using the Dublin hub is the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Pre-Clearance facility. This allows passengers to complete all necessary U.S. immigration and customs inspections in Dublin before their departure.
As a result, flights from Dublin land at U.S. airports as domestic arrivals. This process helps travelers avoid long immigration queues upon arrival, making for a smoother and faster entry into the United States.
"This is a strong addition to Aer Lingus’ growing North American network," stated Susanne Carberry, Chief Customer Officer at Aer Lingus, highlighting the strategic value of the partnership.
New Gateways to the Americas via Barcelona
In a parallel expansion, Qatar Airways has re-established its codeshare agreement with LEVEL, the long-haul airline of International Airlines Group (IAG) based in Barcelona (BCN). This partnership opens up seven key routes across North and South America.
This collaboration positions Barcelona as a critical transit point, connecting Qatar Airways' extensive global network with popular destinations in the Americas. Travelers can now book seamless journeys from Doha to cities like Los Angeles and Buenos Aires on a single itinerary.
About LEVEL Airlines
Launched in 2017, LEVEL is IAG's value-focused long-haul carrier operating from Barcelona. It serves as the leading long-haul airline at BCN, connecting Europe to the Americas with direct flights to major destinations.
Connecting Continents Through Spain
The renewed agreement with LEVEL adds five U.S. destinations and two major South American gateways to the Qatar Airways network. The included routes are:
- United States: Boston (BOS), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), and San Francisco (SFO).
- South America: Buenos Aires (EZE), Argentina, and Santiago (SCL), Chile.
Lucía Adrover, Chief Commercial and Network Officer of LEVEL, emphasized the airline's role in "strengthening Barcelona’s long-haul connectivity," ensuring smooth links for passengers traveling between continents.
Streamlined Travel for Qatar Airways Customers
These strategic partnerships are designed to enhance the passenger experience by offering greater convenience and more travel options. Customers can book their entire journey on the Qatar Airways website, receive a single ticket, and have their baggage checked through to their final destination.
Thierry Antinori, Chief Commercial Officer for Qatar Airways, remarked that the new agreements provide passengers with "broader and greater choices" by adding a total of 18 new routes across the Americas.
Loyalty Program Benefits
Members of the Qatar Airways Privilege Club and other Avios-based loyalty programs benefit directly from these expansions. Travelers can now earn and redeem Avios on all new codeshare flights operated by Aer Lingus and LEVEL.
This integration allows frequent flyers to accumulate points faster and use them for flights, upgrades, and other lifestyle rewards available through the airline's loyalty platform. The ability to use Avios across multiple IAG carriers provides significant value to members.
Strategic Importance of the Partnerships
The expansion reflects Qatar Airways' strategy of leveraging partnerships to extend its global reach without necessarily adding its own aircraft to every new route. By collaborating with fellow IAG members Aer Lingus and LEVEL, the airline efficiently taps into established transatlantic networks.
For Aer Lingus, the deal strengthens its position as a major transatlantic carrier from Dublin, especially as it integrates new aircraft like the Airbus A321XLR into its fleet. For LEVEL, it reinforces Barcelona's status as a key intercontinental hub.
These agreements create a more integrated network that benefits all three airlines and, most importantly, provides travelers with more competitive and convenient options for long-haul travel between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
