A joint business agreement will come into effect on October 30 that will see the two airlines code-sharing on all non-stop flights between the UK and Doha. It takes effect on the day that BA’s flights to Doha become non-stop. Until then, they will operate via Bahrain.

The agreement means the two carriers can share revenue, coordinate pricing and put each others’ codes on flight numbers.

Between the airlines’ hubs of Heathrow and Doha the new partnership will offer seven daily non-stop services in both directions, with connections from Qatar’s capital to Asia and Africa as well as destinations throughout the Middle East.

The agreement is with BA’s parent company IAG. Qatar Airways group chief executive Akbar Al Baker said: “Today’s announcement reinforces our already established relationship with IAG and we look forward to welcoming British Airways’ direct flights to our hub, Hamad International Airport, where we can provide passengers with seamless access to our global network of more than 150 destinations.”

Willie Walsh, IAG’s chief executive, added: “This agreement will also strengthen the oneworld alliance and enable it to compete more effectively on the included routes creating greater competition and increased options for consumers.”