The two airlines said the proposed expansion would give passengers “enhanced access” to long-haul destinations, such as Singapore, Sydney, Colombo and Nairobi, as well as European hubs including Amsterdam, Madrid and Dublin.

The proposal comes after BA last week resumed daily flights to Doha from Gatwick for the first time since the start of the pandemic last year.

BA and Qatar Airways are now offering up to six daily flights to Doha from Heathrow and Gatwick this winter.

Sean Doyle, British Airways’ chief executive, said: “The proposed expansion of the joint business will be great news for customers, offering them access to more destinations across the world with seamless connections

“We know customers are always looking for more options to connect on to popular holiday hotspots, such as the Maldives and Seychelles, and this expansion will allow them to do just that.”

The two airlines said they expected to receive news of relevant regulatory approvals for the expanded joint business in the first half of 2022.

Qatar Airways’ group chief executive Akbar Al Baker, added: “Expanding our joint business with our strategic airline partner, British Airways, is an important milestone in our ambition of providing customers access to the most extensive route network and unrivalled product.”