DOHA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Qatar Airways has launched the first direct non-stop flight to Pattaya, Qatar local media reported Tuesday.

Qatar Airways (QA), the national carrier of the State of Qatar, celebrated the launching of the new destination, which is the fifth route to the Southeast Asian country and the first new route launch for the carrier in 2018.

Qatar Airways also announced that they are working on opening new direct routes to offer their travellers more options to choose from in the Far East.

''This new route reinforces and deepens the strong ties that exist between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Thailand,'' Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar al-Baker said.

Earlier, Qatar used Hamad International Airport to ensure the normal movement of flights and cargo to more than 150 destinations around the world via Qatar Airways after the Saudi-led blockading restrictions on Qatari aircraft using their airspace.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, and the UAE severed their diplomatic relations with Qatar last year, accusing Doha of sponsoring "terrorism" and destabilising the region.

Pattaya is a major resort city located on Thailand's eastern gulf coast, which is also one of the most popular holiday destinations.