DOHA, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Qatar Airways is planning to expand its operations in Iran with the launch of a new twice-weekly direct service to Isfahan International Airport starting from February 2019, said local media on Tuesday.

The Qatar Airways' fourth route to Iran, which includes two-times-a-week service, is in addition to the airline's existing flights to Tehran, Shiraz and Mashad, Qatar-based English newspaper Gulf Times reported.

"With its incredible, age-old architecture and bustling traditional bazaars, we are thrilled to announce Isfahan as Qatar Airways' fourth-service gateway into Iran,'' said Akbar al-Baker, the airline's group chief executive.

Al-baker also said that the latest launches would be further evidence of Qatar Airways' commitment to Iran.

He added that the expansion of their network would boost the market to provide greater connectivity to both business and leisure passengers alike.

The Qatari announcement came despite the U.S. decision which has been announced earlier this month that it would impose sanctions on any American or foreign company that continues to do business with Iran, prompting some major airlines to stop flights to Iran.

Bilateral ties between Iran and Qatar have significantly increased, particularly since the Gulf crisis began on June 5, when four Arab countries severed diplomatic and transport links with Qatar.

Iran also became a major supplier of Qatar's needs for food.