Qatari airline Qatar Airways is considering launching direct flights between Doha and Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital. This was announced by Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon after a visit to Qatar. Fajon had discussed the possibility of the flight connection with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani. Qatar Airways had already expressed interest in flying to Ljubljana before the coronavirus pandemic. "Qatar Airways is very interested in the European market, but opening a new route requires time to study the market," said a Qatari delegation that recently visited Slovenia. "Once this is completed, flights will begin." Lack of narrowbody aircraft One obstacle for Qatar Airways is the lack of narrowbody aircraft. The airline's 29-aircraft Airbus A320 fleet is at full capacity across its entire route network. The 737 MAX 8 jets will be used exclusively on regional routes as they are not equipped to the airline's high standards. The airline is not expected to take delivery of new narrow-body aircraft until 2026. Potential for transfer passengers Non-stop flights between Ljubljana and Doha have never been seen before. Although demand for direct flights between the two capitals is relatively low, with an average of 1.000 travellers per month, a possible Qatar Airways service would be used mainly by transfer passengers as the Qatari airline has an extensive international network. Flydubai already serves Ljubljana Currently, Flydubai is the only airline from the Gulf States to fly to Ljubljana. The airline carried 70.541 passengers on its flights to Slovenia last year, up from 45.263 in XNUMX.