Edinburgh Airport To Step Up Middle East Flights

5 February 2019, 15:47 | Updated: 5 February 2019, 15:49

Flights from Edinburgh to the Middle East will operate twice in a day for the first time as part of efforts to cope with high demand during peak periods.

The route between Scotland's capital and Doha in Qatar will include an additional afternoon flight on Mondays in April, as well as three extra afternoon flights in the busy summer season.

It means Qatar Airways is the first long-haul carrier to operate double daily routes to the Middle East from Edinburgh Airport.

Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh Airport, said: "It's testament to the strong relationship we have with the airline and their confidence in the product Edinburgh and Scotland has that they added this frequency.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for both airport and airline and we'll be working to ensure it is one we seize upon."

Meanwhile, flights to Riga in Latvia from Aberdeen International Airport will run for longer this summer as airBaltic extends its schedule.

Last year, the service ran from early May to early September but this summer the Tuesday and Saturday flights will run from April 2 to September 28.

Steve Szalay, Aberdeen International Airport managing director, said: "We've been working closely with airBaltic during the last three years and Riga has established itself as a firm favourite among our passengers.

"We look forward to welcoming all to our new and improved terminal during the summer months."