This will be a first as Qatar Airways will soon become the first Gulf carrier to serve Eritrea. Flights start December 4.

The  carrier will operate twice-weekly flights on two-class A320s, to the capital, Asmara.

“On Thursdays and Saturdays, QR1443 will depart Doha at 2030 and arrive Asmara at 2359, and QR1444 will operate on Fridays and Sundays, departing Asmara at 0245 and arriving in Doha at 0605,” reports Gulf Business.

The decision to start flights into Eritrea is part of the airline’s ongoing strategy to serve emerging markets largely underserved by international airlines. The airline aims Asmara’s architecture and culture will appeal to leisure travellers.