Doha: With less than six months before the biggest tournament in the world, FIFA World Cup 2022 is set to start in Qatar, the state-owned flag carrier Qatar Airways announced yesterday its partnership with four GCC airlines bringing football fans a seamless travel to Doha via Match Day Shuttle flights. A total of 188 daily flights from the four airlines will be there for service from November.
A Memorandum of Understanding between Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker; flydubai Chief Executive officer, Ghaith Al Ghaith; Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Ali Dukhan; Oman Air Chief Executive Officer, Abdulaziz Al Raisi; Saudia Chief Executive Officer, Captain Ibrahim S. Koshy, was sealed yesterday after the Match Day Shuttle Press Conference held in Doha.
Akbar Al Baker termed the partnership “game-changing.” “Qatar’s vision for this tournament has always been that is one for the entire region, after all, this is the first World Cup in the Middle East and the Arab world, and together, we have the opportunity to share our culture and traditions with fans across the globe.”
As a result of the partnership, the four airlines will collectively host day trips shuttle flights from Dubai, UAE; Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia; Kuwait City in Kuwait; and Muscat in Oman. Al Baker also revealed that there will be additional flights by Air Arabia and Etihad Airways, both from UAE when they choose to apply.
“The initiative will help truly this tournament a World Cup for all, allowing us the business opportunities with various regional airlines partners and provide fans with simple and convenient travel experience that minimises logistical considerations,” Al Baker continued.
The Match Day Shuttle service along with its many perks will make travelling to Doha a seamless experience.
The flight frequency rotations are: flydubai (Dubai), 60 total flights per day, 30 rotations; Kuwait Airways (Kuwait City), 20 total flights per day, 10 rotations; Oman Air (Muscat), 48 total flights per day, 24 rotations; Saudia (Riyadh and Jeddah), 60 total flights per day, 30 rotations.
The Match Day Shuttle flights is designed to connect football fans to Qatar as they attend their respective matches, visit the country, before departing Doha on the same day. Football fans who will avail the Match Day Shuttle flights will arrive in the morning and depart in the evening, with no hotel accommodation required. Moreover, a no check-in baggage policy will be implemented for an easy travel for passengers.
The said flights will be scheduled to arrive up to five hours before the match so fans can enjoy Doha without a rush, discover a range of activities from Visit Qatar and experience the atmosphere of the World Cup.
H E Al Baker highlighted that the shuttle flights will be received by Doha International Airport which has been fully furbished and ready to take the large volume of people come the quadrennial event in November. Formerly Qatar’s commercial international airport until Hamad International Airport opened in 2014, the Doha International Airport is still used by Qatar Emiri Air Force, Rizon Jet, Gulf Helicopters and Qatar Aeronautical College.
The four CEOs of the airlines said they are pleased to be working together in providing and ensuring a seamless experience for fans coming to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup 2022.
flydubai Chief Executive Officer, Ghaith Al Ghait said: “We are very pleased to be part of this game-changing partnership with Qatar Airways and the other partner GCC national carriers. This will allow us to welcome more football fans and visitors from all over the world to experience the warm hospitality and rich culture of our region.”
Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Ali Dukhan, said: “We are proud to facilitate the transfer and travels of fans to and from Qatar for this monumental event. Not only does this agreement enhances the connectivity of our gulf nations, but also facilitates the social and economic growth emphasised by Kuwait’s government.”
“We’re immensely proud to join our partners as we connect football fans to the sport they love and enhance their experience with convenient and seamless travel options tailored to busy schedules. Match Day Shuttle flights are a great way for fans to see more of the rich and vibrant cultures that abound in the region. As the football world comes together in Qatar, Oman Air is ready to welcome everyone on board to enjoy the signature warmth and hospitality Omanis are renowned for,” said Oman Air Chief Executive Officer, Abdulaziz Al Raisi.
Saudia Chief Executive Officer, Captain Ibrahim S. Koshy, said: “Saudi Arabian Airlines is pleased to be offering flights from two main gateways, Riyadh and Jeddah, for fans to conveniently travel to attend the highly-anticipated FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Through the spirit of sport, we look forward to welcoming guests from around the world to visit the region and experience the signature Saudi hospitality onboard, in addition to exploring a unique culture and heritage.”