Five Middle Eastern airlines, including Qatar Airways, flydubai, Saudia, Kuwait Airways, and Oman Air, have announced that they will be offering special shuttle flights to Doha for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 later this year.
These flights, which are only available for FIFA ticket holders, will also allow fans to visit Qatar to watch a match and then leave on the same day.
In addition, the airlines are working together to reduce friction for fans traveling for the tournament, and increase capacity.
“This is the first time in the history of FIFA where there is one country that is hosting a tournament were a spectator can watch more than one match in a day, where all the matches are going to be played in one city, very close to each other, and give the spectators the opportunity to maximise the investment that [a fan] is making to come to this FIFA world tournament by watching more than one match at a time and this opportunity will never come back again … this is a once in the lifetime opportunity,” Akbar Al Baker, the group CEO of Qatar Airways, said.
The shuttle services announcement will enable football fans to move freely from the UAE, watch a football match in Doha, and then later return the same day, the CEOs explained.
“We are delighted to be here as we come together as a region as we showcase to the world our warm hospitality and rich heritage as water hosts the first ever world cup in the Middle East and Arab world,” flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said.
Flydubai has already opened bookings for the shuttle service for the World Cup.
Abdulaziz Al Raisi, CEO, Oman Air explained that it will be similar to taking a domestic flight, rather than an international flight.
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Flying to Qatar for the World Cup? Here’s what you need to know
The shuttle services will be scheduled up to five hours before the match, with fans having “plenty of time to travel to Doha before heading home,” Al Baker explained.
The shuttles are slated to include 30 daily return flights between Dubai and Doha, operated by FlyDubai, and 24 between Doha and Muscat, operated by Oman Air. Saudia will operate 20 flight rotations to Riyadh and Jeddah, while Kuwait Airways will connect Doha to Kuwait City with 10 return flights.
“We are delighted to enter into this partnership enabling more people to share in the joy of the beautiful game of the duration of the tournament, flyduabi will operate 30 roundtrip same day flights from Dubai World Central operated by our 737 max aircraft,” Al Ghaith explained.
“The convenience of these match day shuttles services will enable football fans to move freely and travel from the UAE, enjoy a football match in Doha and return in the same day. We are dedicated to offering our passengers the best experiences throughout their travel journey to match the excitement,” he added.
Al Baker also cautioned that these shuttle services are for World Cup ticket holders only, noting that “it’s not a shuttle flight of convenience, it’s a shuttle flight to watch a match.” GCC residents, normal visitors, or Qatar residents will have to continue to use normal scheduled flights to Hamad International Airport, while shuttle flights head to Doha International Airport. Al Baker said that at its peak Doha Airport will be processing between 5,000-6,000 people an hour, while Hamad International will process between 8,000-10,000 an hour.
In addition, due to the high volume of flights that are expected to be heading to Qatar, the country’s civil aviation authority has been looking to increase capacity.
How much will FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar shuttle flights cost?
The airline CEOs were quick to point out that they would do their best to offer flights at the lowest price possible.
“We will try our best to make [the price] a minimum so people can visit Doha and enjoy the World Cup,” Al Raisi said.
Al Baker also noted that the announcement on shuttle flights “is not about price fixing, this is about complimenting each other and bringing the maximum amount of frequencies into Doha.”
Prices for the shuttle flights will be decided by the airlines individually, with information available on their respective websites.
To help increase Qatar’s flight capacity, Qatar Airways will also be reducing its frequency to many other countries during the World Cup, replacing them with flights for fans.
Kuwait Airways CEO Maen Razouqi said that his airline would be offering a package of flights for fans who want to visit for multiple games during the tournament.
“We are all aligned on this, but what’s truly important is the fan,” he added.
Razouqi added that Kuwait Airways is coordinating with Saudia to offer flights for Saudi Arabians who wish to visit Qatar via Kuwait.
“Everyone here is making it possible for those that love travel and love football,” Captain Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of Saudia, said.
“I think there is so much beauty in this region that people have not had the chance to explore … I think there is a lot people have not seen in Saudi Arabia,” he added.
“Everybody is working to ensure that this is a seamless experience for the passengers or fans that are coming through … no doubt this is something we are all working towards.”
Tournament for ‘whole Arab world’
Eng. Yasir Abdullah Al-Jamal, Director General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy said that the announcement is an “important step for fans to come to our country.”
“The World Cup FIFA 2022 will be unprecedented, and we said before, we consider this tournament a tournament for the whole Arab World.”
There will be dedicated shuttle buses available for fans visiting to ensure they make it to the matches, while domestic transportation options, such as the metro, will be free during the tournament.
“We eagerly anticipate this collaboration and signing a memorandum of understanding … we look forward to kicking off on the 21st of November when fans will be able to see Arabian culture represented on a global scale,” Al Baker said.
“We are excited to share our great region’s culture … and look forward to celebrating with fans,” he added.
Additionally, here are the top developments you need to know about if you are flying to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup 2022:
- Bookings are now open for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 flydubai shuttle service
- FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: UAE-Doha flight costs fall as airlines plan additional flights
- Five GCC airlines announced they would work together to bring more flights at a “minimum” price for ticket holders
- FIFA World Cup 2022 shuttle flights to include over 160 additional daily flights
- Fans flying on SAUDIA’s match-day shuttle flights will not need hotel accommodations confirmed in Qatar
- Business jet operator to launch special Dubai to Doha charter flights for 2022 FIFA World Cup
- FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 shuttle flights will create “smoother experience” for football fans, hospitality boss says
1. Bookings are now open for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 flydubai shuttle service
Flydubai has opened bookings for its special shuttle service for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, offering flights to Doha at a fraction of the cost previously seen.
The flights, only available for World Cup ticket holders, are available for as little as $258 for economy and $998 for business class. The airline will be offering 30 return flights everyday between Dubai and Doha between November 21 and December 18 2022. Passengers will need to have registered for their Hayya card (Fan ID) in advance of their flight.
Flydubai’s shuttle service will operate out of Dubai World Central airport, and the airline further warned that passengers should book flights at least four hours before the match they wish to see kicks off.
“We are pleased to partner with Qatar Airways and the other partner GCC national carriers to facilitate travel during the upcoming football tournament. By coming together, we are able to offer football fans from around the world the opportunity to experience the warm hospitality and rich culture of our region as they explore the sights and sounds of two countries,” flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said in a statement.
“We are honoured to enter into this partnership which will enable more people to travel between Dubai and Qatar to share in their love for football as this sporting event comes to the Middle East and Arab World for the first time,” he added.
Passengers that do not have a World Cup ticket will need to book a regular ticket.
The special shuttle flights were announced last week during a press conference with the participation of five Middle Eastern airlines – Qatar Airways, flydubai, Saudia, Kuwait Airways, and Oman Air.
The flights are specifically aimed at alleviating the high prices for flights to Doha for the World Cup, and to boost capacity for the estimated one million people expected to travel to the country for the global tournament.
The CEOs of the respective airlines said that plans were being put in place to further reduce travel friction, with the aim to treat the flights as if they were domestic flights, rather than international, lowering immigration times.
The shuttle services announcement will enable football fans to move freely from the UAE, watch a football match in Doha, and then later return the same day, the CEOs explained during the conference.
Besides the 30 daily return flights between Dubai and Doha operated by flydubai, shuttle flights were also announced from other regional cities. This includes 24 between Doha and Muscat, operated by Oman Air, 20 flight rotations from Riyadh and Jeddah to Doha, operated by Saudia, and 10 from Kuwait City to Doha, operated by Kuwait Airways.
“This is the first time in the history of FIFA where there is one country that is hosting a tournament were a spectator can watch more than one match in a day, where all the matches are going to be played in one city, very close to each other, and give the spectators the opportunity to maximise the investment that [a fan] is making to come to this FIFA world tournament by watching more than one match at a time and this opportunity will never come back again … this is a once in the lifetime opportunity,” Akbar Al Baker, Group CEO of Qatar Airways said during the press conference.
2. FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: UAE-Doha flight costs fall as airlines plan additional flights
The price for a return ticket to Doha from Dubai has fallen to around AED1,600 ($435) during the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar.
This figure represents a significant drop from highs seen earlier this year. On November 20, direct one-way flights were previously being sold for in excess of AED7,000, but can now be purchased for around AED2,500.
The price rise can be attributed to massive increases in demand during the football mega-event taking place in Qatar between November 21 and December 18.
On Thursday, five Middle Eastern airlines, Qatar Airways, flydubai, Saudia, Kuwait Airways, and Oman Air, announced that they would also be offering special shuttle flights to Doha during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 for ticket holders.
These flights, which are only available for FIFA ticket holders, will also allow fans to visit Qatar to watch a match and then leave on the same day.
“The convenience of these match day shuttles services will enable football fans to move freely and travel from the UAE, enjoy a football match in Doha and return in the same day. We are dedicated to offering our passengers the best experiences throughout their travel journey to match the excitement,” flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said.
Prices for these flights have yet to be revealed, although Abdulaziz Al Raisi, CEO, Oman Air noted during the press event that the airlines would try to keep the price at “a minimum.”
Qatari flag carrier Qatar Airways has also ramped up recruitment efforts to meet the anticipated surge in market demand ahead of the tournament. In addition, the airline has expanded its international network and stepped up efforts to restore pre-Covid-19 capacity.
The event, which was rescheduled to November to avoid the heat, is forecasted to host 1.2 million visitors from across the globe, and has raised hopes for significant economic growth and accelerated sector recovery.
Qatar Tourism Chief Operating Officer Berthold Trenkel had previously told Arabian Business that he thinks the country’s preparations for the World Cup “will be enough.”
3. Five GCC airlines announced they would work together to bring more flights at a “minimum” price for ticket holders
The CEOs of Qatar Airways, Kuwait Airways, Saudia, Oman Air, and flydubai announced on Thursday that they would be offering shuttle services for FIFA World Cup 2022 ticket holders from their respective countries.
These flights, which will massively increase available seats for fans, will arrive into Doha International Airport, in Qatar, and will operate in a similar manner as if they were domestic flights – rather than international.
The CEOs also noted that they would do their best to offer flights at the lowest price possible.
“We will try our best to make [the price] a minimum so people can visit Doha and enjoy the World Cup,” Abdulaziz Al Raisi, CEO, Oman Air said.
FIFA World Cup 2022 shuttle prices are not fixed
Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, also noted that the announcement on shuttle flights “is not about price fixing,” and is instead, “about complimenting each other and bringing the maximum amount of frequencies into Doha.”
Prices for the shuttle flights will be decided by the airlines individually, with information available on their respective websites.
Flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said that more details would be shared on his airline’s shuttle services “soon,” but that these services would be operating out of Dubai World Central, with part of the airport dedicated to the shuttles.
To help increase Qatar’s capacity for incoming and outgoing flights, Qatar Airways will also be reducing its frequency to many other countries during the World Cup, replacing them with flights for fans, Al Baker explained.
Kuwait Airways CEO Maen Razouqi said that his airline would be offering a package of flights for fans who want to visit for multiple games during the tournament.
“We are all aligned on this, but what’s truly important is the fan,” he added.
Razouqi added that Kuwait Airways is coordinating with Saudia to offer flights for Saudi Arabians who wish to visit Qatar via Kuwait.
“Everyone here is making it possible for those that love travel and love football,” Captain Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of Saudia, said.
“I think there is so much beauty in this region that people have not had the chance to explore … I think there is a lot people have not seen in Saudi Arabia,” he added.
“Everybody is working to ensure that this is a seamless experience for the passengers or fans that are coming through … no doubt this is something we are all working towards.”
4. FIFA World Cup 2022 shuttle flights to include over 160 additional daily flights
CEOs of five GCC-based airlines came together on Thursday to announce an additional 160 daily flights between Doha and major cities in the region.
The announcement included an additional 30 daily return flights between Dubai and Doha, operated by flydubai, 10 daily return flights between Kuwait City and Doha, operated by Kuwait Airways, 24 daily return flights between Muscat and Doha, operated by Oman Air, and 20 daily return flights between Riyadh and Jeddah to Doha.
“The landscape of this tournament gives us the opportunity to spread the business with various regional airlines. Our combined bandwidth with flydubai, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air and Saudia will create travel flexibility that will bridge cultures and give fans the chance to explore multiple places in the Middle East,” Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said.
Eng. Yasir Al Jamal, Director General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, said: “Right from the start, we have said Qatar 2022 is a FIFA World Cup for the entire region – and the announcement of the Match Day Shuttle service will make it even easier for many thousands of fans to be able to attend the first tournament in the Middle East and Arab world.”
“Our digital Hayya (Fan ID) will enable a seamless fan journey for those visiting for the tournament, and with the amazing opportunity of attending more than one match in a day, we look forward to welcoming fans from across the region as they immerse themselves in the exciting football and enjoy our famous hospitality. Our sincere thanks to Qatar Airways and their partners for delivering this special project, which will help us host a memorable and outstanding edition of the FIFA World Cup,” he added.
The new flights, which will massively increase available seats for fans, will arrive into Doha International Airport, in Qatar, and will operate in a similar manner as if they were domestic flights, rather than international, but pricing has yet to be revealed.
“We will try our best to make [the price] a minimum so people can visit Doha and enjoy the World Cup,” Abdulaziz Al Raisi, CEO, Oman Air said during the press conference.
5. Fans flying on SAUDIA’s match-day shuttle flights will not need hotel accommodations confirmed in Qatar
In the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 taking place for the first time in the Middle East later this year, SAUDIA will introduce more than 60 exclusive flights to support the national team and 40 daily flights for fans to conveniently attend the matches.
Saudi Arabia’s flagship airline will operate 60 special daily flights during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 starting 21 November.
The flights will run from both Riyadh and Jeddah to Doha, and are being offered for fans who wish to have the flexibility to fly-in and fly-out on the same day for matches, according to the state-run Saudi Press Agency.
Flights offer football fans opportunity to explore Saudi Arabia
In addition, these flights will provide a convenient option for guests wishing to tag on a trip to explore world-class heritage experiences in Saudi Arabia.
Fans can also visit Saudi Arabia to tour its new touristic sites, exploring an untapped destination during the global football event.
The journey between the capital cities of Riyadh and Doha is approximately one hour and thirty minutes in air travel time.
The travel time from Doha to the Red Sea port city of Jeddah, which features the world-renowned UNESCO world heritage site Al-Balad, is approximately two hours and 40 minutes by flight.
The chief executive officer of SAUDIA, Captain Ibrahim S Koshy and Qatar Airways group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, signed the exclusive agreement to enable both carriers to partner on exclusive flights.
Additional benefits on SAUDIA match-day daily flights
Starting November 21, 2022, the 60 daily flights between Riyadh-Doha-Riyadh and Jeddah-Doha-Jeddah will also include an added benefit of a dedicated on-ground transportation between the airport and stadium.
By choosing to book a Match Day Shuttle flight, fans will arrive in the morning and depart in the evening, with no hotel accommodation required.
Additionally, a no check-in baggage policy will simplify an easy-in, easy-out travel itinerary for the passengers.
All the exclusive additional flights will be fully operated by wide body SAUDIA aircraft. Flight bookings can be made on: www.saudia.com or via the app.
The number of SAUDIA flights between Riyadh, Jeddah, and Doha is subject to increase after studying the demand and capabilities with Qatar airways in the upcoming days.
Fans interested in attending the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 may visit qatar2022.qa for the latest ticketing information.
6. Business jet operator to launch special Dubai to Doha charter flights for 2022 FIFA World Cup
With just under six months to go before kick-off to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, business jet operator DC Aviation Al-Futtaim has revealed that it is offering special charter flights from Dubai to Doha.
The round-trip flights to the biggest sporting spectacle in the world will offer UAE-based fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see their favourite team in action.
“We understand the power of football and how it brings together people from all over the world. At DCAF we are as excited as the fans who will be travelling to Doha to support their teams,” said Holger Ostheimer, the managing director of DC Aviation Al-Futtaim.
The special charter flights from DCAF can accommodate varying group sizes from individuals, families, groups of friends, or corporates looking to entertain their VVIP clients and partners.
Adding to the memorable experience is the 1,300 square metres of exclusive lounge area offering fans the highest levels of comfort and privacy, spacious conference room, shower areas, and more.
Ostheimer added: “As the only VVIP lounge and hangars facility in Dubai South, we will offer fans immediate access from limousine drop off to the aircraft which is parked directly in front of the FBO thereby providing a seamless experience like no other.
“From customs and immigration to security check performed within the comforts of the FBO, fans can board their flight within minutes thereby giving them more time to enjoy the moment.”
7. FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 shuttle flights will create “smoother experience” for football fans, hospitality boss says
Shuttle flights between various GCC cities and Doha were announced last week, with five airlines pledging to provide a significant number of additional return journeys every day of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
These flights, which have significantly brought the cost of flying to Doha during the tournament down, are only available for World Cup ticket holders.
Alan Holt, managing director of Expat Sport, told Arabian Business that the news of the shuttle service was good news for the fans and will help alleviate accommodation concerns in Doha during the mega-event.
Further to the recent announcements regarding daily flights between UAE and Doha – is this good news for fan?
Definitely! Fans from, and based, in the UAE can fly over in the morning, potentially watch two games of world class football and take a one-hour flight back. This has never been the case in any other FIFA World Cup before.
What impact will this have on ticket sales?
Since the announcements came out last week we have been inundated with ticket and flight requests. We have already booked the highest number of people from the UAE to be attending a world cup ever and we expect this number to at least double between now and the start of the tournament on the 21st of November.
To clarify there are two ways that members of the public can buy tickets. Standard grandstand tickets are available through the FIFA lottery system on FIFA.com or people can purchase official MATCH Hospitality packages which including 4-hours of food & beverages including alcohol and a category 1 seat (best vantage point in the stadiums) from us, the exclusive agent for the UAE, Expat Sport.
To get on flights fans will need to show their Hayya card at check-in. The Hayya card works as the fan ID and visa to enter the country and they will need to register for these with both their flight and ticket details. People will not be permitted to board without this.
Is this the right decision in terms of accommodation?
With the opening-up of daily shuttle flight service this means that UAE-based fans might not need to stay over in Doha which therefore naturally releases up the Doha accommodation for longer stay international visitors.
How is this going to ensure the success of the tournament?
In my opinion there are two main reasons that define the success of any world cup – great football and a fantastic fan experience. The flight shuttle type service will no doubt help operationally with the volume of fans descending upon Doha, particularly during the group stages, which should help create a smoother experience for fans travelling between the two countries.
How will you accommodate fans to get there and back?
Expat Sport will have an experienced operations team stationed in Qatar to ensure our customers get to the venue smoothly and on time and most importantly also are taken back to the airport within plenty of time for their return flight.
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