Petition to: Mike Kane  (Aviation Minister), Ruth Jones (MP for Newport - West and Islwyn), Kanishka Narayan (MP for Vale of Glamorgan) Jo Stevens ( MP for Cardiff East), Carolyn Harris ( MP for Neath and Swansea East), Anna McMorrin ( MP for Cardiff North), Stephen Doughty ( MP for Cardiff South and Penarth), Mr Alex Barros-Curtis (MP for Cardiff West), Mr Akbar Al Baker ( CEO Qatar Airways), Sri P. Sreeramakrishnan (Vice-Chairman of Norka-Roots)

Sameeksha UK is a progressive cultural organisation of the Malayali community with 33 affiliated units across UK. It was formed in 2015 with an aim of promoting progressive values among the Malayali community and to undertake and organise activities to help the welfare, educational, economic, social and cultural advancement of Malayali community in the UK. We are also dedicated to promote a harmonious relationship amongst citizens, Indian migrants and the society in general by cultivating mutual respect through increased social interactions, discussions, seminars, recreation and other voluntary activities of significant community benefit. On behalf of our member units in Wales and surrounding areas, I would like to draw your kind attention on an abandoned flight service from Cardiff airport to middle east hub resulted in an additional 3–4-hour travel to Heathrow, Gatwick and Birmingham airports.

Qatar Airways commenced a flight service from Hamad International airport to Cardiff airport in 2018. According to available information and statistics since this aircraft was launched, this route had 84000 to 94000 passengers annually. The Doha -Cardiff service was beneficial for passengers because it allowed a connecting service to Middle East, South East Asia and Australian destinations. Each Airbus was equipped to transport approximately 250 passengers and 10 tons of cargo. Moreover, this flight service was convenient and reliable for nearly 25 percentage passengers from England and Wales for the various travel purposes such as business, tourism, job and medical requirements. The airline suspended its Cardiff-Doha route at the start of the pandemic which is now more than five years ago.

Once the pandemic restrictions were lifted, all other airline routes were resumed. Unfortunately, Doha- Cardiff service was still mothballed. Discussions with the airport officials we’re hopeful and anticipated that service may recommence in December 2023. Sadly, the service still hasn’t resumed. Currently the passengers from Cardiff and surrounding areas of Cardiff to Qatar have increased in large numbers. Passengers are struggling to meet their travel requirements. We understand that Qatar Airways, which flies to more than 160 destinations worldwide.

We humbly request you for the resumption of Doha- Cardiff route or facilitating a new aircraft service for this route.  We are hopeful that the authorities will certainly review this request and take necessary measures to resolve this issue.

Yours Faithfully,

Jiju Philip Simon (Secretary, Sameeksha UK)

Raji Shaji (President, Sameeksha UK)