The carrier will begin the service on May 1, which will be operated on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

On Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, the flight will depart Doha at 7:25am and arrive in the Welsh capital at 12:50pm – with a return service leaving Cardiff at 3:55pm arriving in Qatar at 00:50am.

On Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, the service will fly from Doha at 1:15am and will arrive in Cardiff at 6:40am.

A returning flight will then depart at 8:10am reaching Doha by 5:05pm.

Qatar Airways group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch date for our direct service to Cardiff. Many travellers currently fly to and from London, using ground transport between London and Cardiff, so this new route will allow passengers to fly direct from Wales to Doha and beyond for the first time.”

Deb Barber, chief executive of Cardiff airport, said: “I am immensely proud that world class airline Qatar Airways has recognised the potential that exists within the region and chosen Cardiff airport to operate a daily service. The service opens up a world of connectivity for our customers to destinations across Australia, New Zealand, Africa and Asia.

“Over 1.4 million passengers per year from the region travel to destinations that are available on the Qatar Airways network - 90% of these passengers are currently travelling from London airports, which emphasises just how much demand exists within the market.

“We look forward to developing our fruitful relationship with Qatar Airways over the coming months and to the start of this exciting new route in May 2018.”

Wales’s first minister Carwyn Jones, added: “The daily service between Cardiff and Doha is a huge boost for Wales. It will open up Wales’ links with the rest of the world and deliver new economic, leisure and travel opportunities for Welsh businesses and the people of Wales.”