QATAR Airways is to link Manchester Airport with the Middle East destination of Doha from next April.

The non-stop service will operate four times a week to the capital of Qatar, a sovereign independent country on the western shore of the Arabian Gulf.

Flights are scheduled to leave Manchester at 21.15 on Mondays and Thursdays, with a morning departure (10.15) on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Cllr Brian Harrison, Chairman of Manchester Airport, said "This is an exciting development.

"This service will make the Middle East even more accessible through the UK's third largest airport and offer passengers the ability to fly on with Qatar Airways to other international destinations."