Qatar Airways Launches New Routes to Caracas and Bogotá

Qatar Airways will launch new twice-weekly flight operations from Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha to Caracas (CCS), Venezuela, and Bogotá (BOG), Colombia, starting on 22 July 2026. These new routes will expand the airline's network in the Americas, marking its 15th and 16th destinations in the region. The new service will be operated twice-weekly from Hamad International Airport (DOH), Qatar Airways' hub in Doha. With the addition of Caracas and Bogotá, Qatar Airways now serves a total of 16 destinations across the Americas, significantly bolstering its presence in the Western Hemisphere. The introduction of these direct flights shows the airline's commitment to enhancing global connectivity and offering more travel options to its passengers.

Gateway to South America

Qatar Airways will become the first Gulf airline to serve Venezuela and the first to operate direct flights from the Middle East to both Caracas and Bogotá. This new route will make Venezuela accessible to Gulf-based travelers for the first time through a direct one-stop connection, opening up new travel and trade opportunities. Similarly, the service provides Colombian travelers with a new gateway to Asia, Oceania, and the Levant, facilitating easier access to a diverse range of international destinations. This strategic expansion is expected to foster stronger cultural and economic ties between the Middle East and South America.

The schedule for the new flights is meticulously designed to facilitate onward transfers through Hamad International Airport to key markets across the globe. These include popular destinations such as Australia, China, Japan, Lebanon, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates, offering smooth connections for passengers traveling from or to South America. Qatar Airways' South American operations first began in 2010 with its inaugural service to São Paulo, Brazil, marking a long-standing commitment to the region that is now being further expanded. The airline's continued investment in its network demonstrates its dedication to providing full global coverage.

The new route will operate every Wednesday and Sunday under a single flight number, QR783, utilizing a tag-stop format to link both cities efficiently. The journey begins with Flight QR783 departing from Doha (DOH) at 07:30. This flight is scheduled to arrive in Bogotá (BOG) at 16:05, providing ample time for passengers to connect to other flights or begin their exploration of the Colombian capital. Following a brief stop, the same flight, QR783, will then depart from Bogotá (BOG) at 17:35, continuing its journey to Caracas (CCS), where it is expected to reach at 20:40. This efficient scheduling allows travelers to experience both vibrant South American cities within a single itinerary. For the return journey, flight QR783 will depart from Caracas (CCS) at 22:40, providing a convenient late-night departure option. The flight will then make its way back across the Atlantic, arriving in Doha (DOH) at 19:55 the following day, completing the round trip and linking these distant regions.

Venezuela: A New Frontier

Venezuela has re-emerged as one of South America’s most authentic travel destinations, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. The Venezuelan Bolívar (VES) currently trades at approximately 36 VES to 1 USD, with the economy having fully dollarized, simplifying transactions for international visitors. Most nationalities planning to visit the country can obtain a free 90-day visa upon arrival, streamlining the entry process for many travelers. However, American and Canadian passport holders are required to apply for a visa through the Venezuelan embassy located in either Mexico City (MEX) or Panama City (PTY), a key detail for those planning their trips.

Travelers should note that Venezuela experiences a distinct rainy season, which typically extends from July to October. During this period, certain outdoor activities might be affected by heavier rainfall. Conversely, the dry season occurs from November to April, potentially offering more favorable conditions for activities such as hiking, sightseeing, and exploring the country's diverse landscapes. A prominent natural attraction within the country is Canaima National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its spectacular tabletop mountains (tepuis) and vast wilderness. Within this park lies Angel Falls, the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall, a breathtaking natural wonder. Access to Angel Falls is exclusively by domestic flight into Canaima Airport (CAJ), followed by a river journey, making it an adventurous destination for nature enthusiasts.

Spanish is the official language spoken throughout Venezuela, and visitors will find it beneficial to know some basic phrases. For those interested in local cuisine, Pabellón Criollo stands as the national dish of Venezuela. This hearty and flavorful meal typically consists of shredded beef, black beans, white rice, and fried plantains, offering a true taste of Venezuelan culinary tradition. The country's rich history and diverse ecosystems, from Caribbean coastlines to Andean peaks and Amazonian jungles, provide a wide array of experiences for intrepid travelers.

Bogotá: Culture and Adventure

Bogotá serves as Colombia's bustling capital and largest city, a vibrant metropolis nestled high in the Andes mountains. Travelers reach Bogotá through El Dorado International Airport (BOG), one of Latin America's busiest and most modern airports, serving as a key hub for regional and international travel. The city offers a rich tapestry of history, art, and modern development. Among its cultural notes is the Botero Museum, which displays 123 works, a generous donation by the renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero. His distinctive style, characterized by exaggerated volumes, is celebrated in this impressive collection.

The Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts, offering a fascinating glimpse into Colombia's ancient civilizations and their sophisticated craftsmanship. It is considered one of the most important museums of its kind in the world, with thousands of pieces showcasing the artistry and spiritual beliefs of indigenous cultures. Admission to the Gold Museum is free every Sunday, making it an accessible cultural experience for visitors. For those interested in exploring the city's terrain, Bogotá Bike Tours offers guided rides starting at 45,000 COP, providing an active and engaging way to discover the city's neighborhoods, street art, and historical sites.

Outside the city, the Salt Cathedral, an extraordinary underground church, sits 200 meters underground in the town of Zipaquirá. Carved within an active salt mine, it is a marvel of engineering and a significant religious site. La Chorrera Waterfall, located about an hour outside Bogotá, offers a refreshing natural escape, with its impressive cascade and surrounding hiking trails. Further afield, Lake Guatavita, a sacred lake associated with the El Dorado legend, lies 60 kilometers north of Bogotá, providing a serene and historically significant destination.

Within Bogotá, Plaza Bolívar forms the historical heart of the city, surrounded by several prominent structures that reflect Colombia's political and religious heritage. These include the Palace of Justice, a symbol of the nation's legal system; the majestic Cathedral of Bogotá, the primary ecclesiastical seat; the mayor’s office (Liévano Palace); and the Capitol Building, housing the Colombian Congress. The National Museum of Colombia, the oldest museum in the country, holds more than 20,000 pieces spanning art, history, and ethnography, offering a full overview of Colombian identity. The Cathedral Metropolitan Basilica, located on Plaza Bolívar, is the largest in Colombia and one of the largest in South America, its grand architecture dominating the city's central square. In Bogotá, the Iglesia de San Francisco features a gilded 17th-century altar, contributing to the city's historical and cultural landscape. This church is one of many architectural and artistic landmarks present in the Colombian capital, reflecting various periods of its development.

Global Network Expansion

Qatar Airways is restoring its network to more than 160 global destinations this summer, demonstrating its strong recovery and ambitious growth plans. The airline aims to broaden its reach and connect passengers to a wider array of international cities, reinforcing its position as a leading global carrier. The strategic addition of Caracas and Bogotá to its network not only expands its footprint in the Americas but also enhances connectivity for travelers worldwide, offering more convenient and direct routes. This expansion aligns with Qatar Airways' commitment to providing unparalleled service and choice to its passengers, facilitating both business and leisure travel across continents. The restoration efforts by Qatar Airways coincide with its expansion into new South American markets, linking them more directly to its global hub in Doha and strengthening its full international network.