Qatar Airways Delays A380 London Heathrow Launch

Qatar Airways’ first A380 flight to London Heathrow has been postponed to July 1.

It is unclear what has led to the postponement of the double-decker’s launch service, which was due to take off June 17. The airline’s website states aircraft operating on this date will be the B787 Dreamliner, B777-300ER, A330-300 (two services) and A340-600.

Qatar Airways moved its operations to Hamad International Airport on Tuesday and it is possible it wants the new facility to bed in for a full calendar month before starting A380 flights.

The breadth of Qatar’s services to London – the airline recently started an all-business class service on A319s too – means passengers are unlikely to be significantly inconvenienced by the postponement, but it is another frustration on top of the airport’s much-publicised delayed opening.

The airline plans to fly the A380 to Paris and New York City as well as London.