March 26 (Reuters) - Australia's flag carrier Qantas Airways <QAN.AX said on Thursday it is adding flights to Rome and Paris to meet an upswing in demand for European routes, while global air travel
Qantas Adds Rome and Paris Flights Amid Middle East Travel Disruptions
Qantas Expands European Routes in Response to Global Air Travel Challenges
March 26 (Reuters) - Australia's flag carrier Qantas Airways <QAN.AX said on Thursday it is adding flights to Rome and Paris to meet an upswing in demand for European routes, while global air travel remains severely disrupted after the Middle East war forced the closure of major hubs, including Dubai and Doha.
Key Details of Qantas’ Route Adjustments
Here are some details:
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Aircraft Redeployment to Support Route Changes
The changes are enabled by redeploying some Boeing 787 aircraft from the carrier's U.S. routes and moving some A330 domestic flying onto international routes.
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Industry-Wide Upgrades to European Services
Qantas joins a string of carriers, including Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific that are upgrading its services to Europe to cater to a surge in demand.
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Impact of Middle East Conflict on Airfares
The price of flights between Asia and Europe soared earlier this month after the closure of key Gulf hubs due to the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, as travellers looked to bypass the Middle Eastern airspace.
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Upgrades to Specific Routes
Perth–Rome Service
Flights between Perth and Rome will be upgraded to a daily service from four return flights per week.
Paris Service
Flights to Paris will increase to five return flights per week from three. The service will originate in Sydney and operate via Singapore rather than Perth, allowing an additional 60 passengers per flight.
Perth–Singapore Service
Flights between Perth and Singapore will increase from daily to 10 per week.
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Customer Support and Adjustments
Customers impacted by the schedule changes are being contacted and offered alternative flights within 24 hours of their original departure or a refund, Qantas added in its statement.
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Ongoing Monitoring and Future Adjustments
"The group continues to monitor the situation in the Middle East and its impact on fuel security, the price of fuel, and demand for travel, and will make further adjustments as required," Qantas said.
Reporting and Editorial Credits
(Reporting by Nikita Maria Jino in Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi Aich)
