Qatar Airways is making waves in the aviation sector with its expanded codeshare agreements that allow travelers increased access to a vast array of destinations. By forging new partnerships with Aer Lingus and LEVEL, the airline has effectively opened up an impressive 18 new routes, enhancing connectivity to key cities in both the United States and South America.
Expansion of International Routes
With this recent development, Qatar Airways passengers can look forward to more travel options via its partner airlines. The collaboration with Aer Lingus provides access to eleven major U.S. cities from Dublin Airport (DUB), including:
- Boston (BOS)
- Orlando (MCO)
- Philadelphia (PHL)
- Washington Dulles (IAD)
- Las Vegas (LAS), among others.
Additionally, LEVEL, based out of Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), brings robust long-haul service to the table with destinations like Buenos Aires (EZE) and Santiago (SCL), alongside key U.S. cities such as Los Angeles (LAX) and Miami (MIA).
Benefits for Travelers
One of the most attractive aspects of these new codeshare routes is the increased convenience for passengers. Qatar Airways customers can enjoy seamless connections through Dublin and Barcelona, all while traveling through Hamad International Airport (DOH)—which has earned recognition as Skytrax’s Best Airport in the Middle East for 2025.
Aer Lingus boasts a U.S. Pre-Clearance facility at Dublin Airport, facilitating a smoother travel experience by allowing passengers to complete U.S. immigration checks before departure. This means that travelers arrive in the U.S. as domestic flyers, significantly reducing wait times and enhancing connectivity with other regional flights.
LEVEL’s presence specifically strengthens long-haul connectivity from Barcelona, making it a pivotal network component for Qatar Airways, effectively bridging Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Insights from Leadership
Qatar Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, emphasized the importance of these partnerships, highlighting that they provide passengers with “broader and greater choices.” This sentiment is echoed by Aer Lingus’ Chief Customer Officer Susanne Carberry, who sees this partnership as a significant enhancement to Aer Lingus’ North American network.
Similarly, Lucía Adrover, Chief Commercial and Network Officer of LEVEL, highlighted how their role strengthens Barcelona’s long-haul connectivity, ensuring efficient travel for passengers connecting from the Middle East to the Americas.
Loyalty Benefits and Rewards
In addition to expanded route options, Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club members will benefit from earning and redeeming Avios on these new codeshare flights. This allows travelers to use their accumulated points for flights and lifestyle rewards, thus enriching their travel experience.
Background on Partners
Aer Lingus: Founded in 1936, Aer Lingus operates over 100 routes from several airports in Ireland. Its growing North American network aims to offer 26 transatlantic routes by 2026. Committed to sustainability, the airline has set a goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with plans for 10% of its flights to be powered by sustainable aviation fuel by 2030.
- LEVEL: Established in 2017 as IAG’s long-haul, low-cost carrier based in Barcelona, LEVEL offers competitive pricing and a user-friendly experience. Its route network includes various U.S. destinations as well as significant South American cities, focusing on technology-driven efficiency.
The Bigger Picture
These strategic moves by Qatar Airways represent not only a commitment to enhancing passenger convenience but also an ambitious expansion strategy aimed at increasing market share in key international markets, particularly in North America and South America. The airlines’ focus on connectivity underscores the evolving dynamics of global travel, where partnerships play a crucial role in expanding reach and improving service offerings.
Conclusion
In summary, Qatar Airways’ recent move to add 16 new routes through partnerships with Aer Lingus and LEVEL marks a significant development in the global aviation landscape. Enhanced connectivity, streamlined travel experiences, and comprehensive loyalty benefits reflect a progressive shift in how airlines are adapting to meet the needs of modern travelers. With these developments, Qatar Airways positions itself as a formidable player in providing world-class travel options that bridge continents, all while maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction and sustainability.
As travelers look toward new adventures, Qatar Airways, through its expanded codeshare agreements, is set to redefine their journey, connecting them to exciting destinations across the globe.
