Qatar Airways has tied up with four regional carriers to connect FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ticket-holders to Doha via match day shuttle flights for 24-hour experiences during the tournament period.
The regional airlines include flydubai, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air and Saudia, TTN’s Kim Thomson learned at a press conference in Doha last month.
The new partnership between the GCC national carriers was sealed with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during the press conference.
Football fans based in Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia or the UAE, will soon be able to book the match day shuttle flights, officials said.
“This service is designed with the purpose of connecting fans seamlessly to Qatar so they can attend their respective matches, capture the sights and sounds of the host country, before departing Doha on the same day. Match day shuttle tickets will kick-off at extremely competitive prices along with rotating frequencies from Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Muscat and Riyadh,” officials said.
Qatar Airways will also be adding more match day shuttle flights across the GCC, as well as flying in football fans from around the world on its extensive global network.
Passengers who book one of the match day shuttle services will benefit from a smooth journey which includes dedicated on-ground transportation between the airport and stadium.
By choosing to book the 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.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker said: “Connecting fans and a shared love for football are at the heart of this game-changing partnership. We are immensely privileged to have the opportunity to unite fans from all walks of life to enjoy the beautiful game at its best, while introducing them to our hospitable culture and traditions. The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be the first in the Middle East and Arab world, and we have always believed that a win for Qatar is a win for the region.”
Al Baker added: “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.”
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.