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Qatar Airways to Reduce Heathrow And Gatwick Services for Spring 2026
Qatar Airways is set to reduce flights to Heathrow and Gatwick between April and June 2026.
There will be a 14% reduction in flights across this period. In April-June 2025, there were 951 departures. In the same period in 2026, that falls to 818.
There will be 48 weekly flights from Heathrow, down from 59, and 11 weekly flights from Gatwick, down from 14, though schedules vary by week.
April-June is the shoulder season in Qatar, and the focus seems to be on more profitable routes. Other routes will also have fewer flights, including Venice and San Francisco.
The changes will, of course, have a knock-on effect on seat availability and, in some cases, connection timing. If you plan to fly during this time, it’s best to book sooner rather than later. Business Class cash fares have already been rising week on week!
However, British Airways (a fellow Oneworld member) will continue to maintain its schedule during this time, so there are plenty of options still available. According to SimplyFlying, it’s believed that Qatar will hand the slots back to British Airways.
Normal capacity is expected to return for Summer 2026.
Search flights via Qatar here >>>
Up to 25% Off IHG Americas Hotels – Limited Time
You can now save up to 25% on stays across participating properties in the US, Canada, Latin America, Mexico and the Caribbean for travel between 20th February and 30th April 2026, but bookings close on 26th February.
For the full 25% discount, you must be an IHG One Rewards member (it’s free to join); otherwise, you’ll receive 20%.
The Promotional Rate is discounted off the hotel’s Best Flexible Rate. As always, we recommend comparing this rate with others, as it may not be the best available. Some room types are also excluded at some properties.
There’s a wide range of participating properties, from luxury brands such as InterContinental and Kimpton to budget options like Holiday Inn. The sale is ideal timing for city breaks, US road trips, Caribbean sun, or a quick Easter escape.
To be eligible for the discount, your stay must be booked at least 3 days before arrival. Book 7+ days in advance, and you’ll pay no deposit. Booking less than 7 days in advance requires a one-night deposit. Cancellation penalties can apply if you cancel within 7 days of arrival. IHG Army Hotels and Iberostar Beachfront Resorts are excluded.
When searching the sale, the search bar should say ‘Flash Sale’. Depending on the value of your stay, there’s potential for huge savings.
For example, a week in the top-tier room at the Kimpton Mirador Pacific Grove Monterey costs £5,187 at the sale rate, compared to £5,956 at the Book Early and Save Rate – a £769 saving! It’s also cheaper than the new hotel rate, though the sale rate does not include breakfast.
Blackout dates do apply, and participating hotels have limited availability, so it’s best to book sooner rather than later.
If you’re planning a stay during these dates, make sure you check availability with IHG!
Noted Collection – The New IHG Brand
Noted Collection is IHG’s 21st brand. It will become part of the Premium Collection, sitting alongside brands such as Crowne Plaza and voco.
Noted Collection will comprise independent hotels that keep their own names and personalities but become part of IHG’s global platform and IHG One Rewards.
Soft brands are a growing trend and are common among major hotel chains (e.g. Curio and Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Autograph Collection and Tribute Portfolio by Marriott, and Unbound Collection by Hyatt).
Each Noted Collection hotel will be:
“Thoughtfully curated for its distinct point of view, the experiences it reveals, and the conversations it sparks”.
Each hotel will align with the following elements:
The first Noted Collection hotels will be in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, and IHG aims to reach 150 hotels over the next decade.
21 brands is a large portfolio for a hotel chain, but not as excessive as some competitors. Standards can vary, even within the same brand, but hopefully, Noted will attract some great hotels in amazing locations, though none have been announced yet.
