It is the first ever scheduled route between Wales and the Middle East, but just how is Qatar Airways' route between Cardiff and Doha performing?
The daily route between the Welsh Government-owned airport and the hub airport of Hamad International in Qatar, was launched last May.
Latest figures from the Civil Aviation Authority show the number of passengers that have flown on the route, both in bound and out bound, up until January this year.
This is exactly what Flybe leaving Cardiff Airport means for flights (and the airport itself)
This saw:
May: 2,965
June: 4,491
July: 10,160
August: 11,582
September: 8,897
October: 5,817
November: 5,211
December: 6,449
January: 6,614
For the first nine months that give a total of just over 62,000 at average monthly rate of just over 6,900.
Figures are February will be published shortly.
Based on five flights a week in the winter season and daily in the summer season, the route has a total passenger capacity for the year - to end of April, 2019 - of 150,000.
Both the airline and the airport have not disclosed what the target passenger number and load factor is for the first year of the service
A 787 Dreamliner aircraft, that can carry just over 250 passengers, is used on the route.
But based on the first nine months and if maintained, this could result in a first year figure of around 80,000 to 90,000 passengers - although the first half includes what is traditionally the busiest month for air travel in August.
During any 12 month period it is not unusual for airlines and airports to revise projected year end numbers.
Next month will be hugely important for the relationship between Cardiff Airport and Qatar Airways, as it will be the first time year-on-year passenger comparisons can be made; which will give a clear insight into the performance of the route.
On inbound flights there are a high number of international students, particularly those from the Far East, including China, who fly into Hamad International Airport for connecting flight to Wales.
Moreover, Thomas Cook has introduced has introduced an A321 aircraft at Cardiff Airport, replacing the existing A320 aircraft.
The move marks an earlier start to its summer season with flights to Enfidha, Tunisia.
Cardiff Airport in profit for the first time in eight years
The larger A321 will be based at the Airport and means that over 170,000 seats are now on sale from Cardiff, a 25% increase on capacity from the Airport in 2018.
With 11 flights a week from Cardiff in the spring, increasing to 14 in the summer, Thomas Cook Airlines fly to ten destinations from Cardiff including Turkey, Tunisia, Majorca, Tenerife, Cyprus and Greece.
Seats are now on sale for summer 2019 and summer 2020.
Henry Sunley, commercial director at Thomas Cook Airlines, said: “Cardiff is an important regional partner.
The introduction of a larger aircraft underlines our commitment to Cardiff and means that thousands more customers can fly with us from the airport.”
Spencer Birns, commercial director at Cardiff Airport, added: “Thomas Cook Airlines is one of a number of airlines that have shown confidence in Wales, and are recognising the potential by adding more capacity at Cardiff and, in turn, creating choice for our customers. We welcome the news and look forward to welcoming even more customers this summer.”
