Qatar Airways Partners with 4 Gulf Airlines to Bring Football Fans Match Day Shuttle Flights

Qatar Airways news conference

As part of the commitment to make the first ever FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 hosted in the Middle East and Arab world an all-inclusive gala event, Qatar Airways has tied up with flydubai, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air and Saudia to connect match ticket holders to Doha via Match Day Shuttle flights for 24-hour experiences, during the tournament period.

Football fans based in Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia or UAE, will soon be able to book their Match Day Shuttle flights. 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. Fans are invited to visit qatarairways.com/MatchDayShuttle and the partner airlines websites to learn more and secure their flights. Qatar Airways will also be adding more Match Day Shuttle flights across the GCC in the future, 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 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.

HE 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." HE 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."

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 enhance the connectivity of our gulf nations, but also facilitates the social and economic growth emphasized by Kuwaits government. We hope to share the excitement of the residents of Kuwait, the GCC, and the world throughout the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and beyond by playing our role in the aviation industry in connecting Kuwait to the world." Oman Air Chief Executive Officer, Abdulaziz Al Raisi, said: "Were 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." Saudia Chief Executive Officer, Captain Ibrahim S. Koshy, said: "Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) 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." In September 2021, Qatar Airways launched unique travel packages, inclusive of match tickets, return flights and accommodation options.

The tournament will be held across eight world-class stadiums which are designed to inspire the various symbols of Qatari and Arab culture. Al Bayt Stadium will host the opening game with a capacity of 60,000 seats, while Lusail Stadium is set to host the final match of the tournament, with a capacity of 80,000 seats. The remaining stadiums will house 40,000 spectators. These include: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Janoub Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, Education City Stadium, Stadium 974 and Al Thumama Stadium.

As FIFAs Official Airline Partner since 2017, Qatar Airways has sponsored mega events including the 2019 and 2020 editions of the FIFA Club World Cup, and the FIFA Arab Cup, all of which were hosted in Qatar.

In its goal to bring communities together through sport, the Worlds Best Airline has an extensive global sports partnership portfolio that includes football-governing bodies such as FIFA, CONCACAF and CONMEBOL. The airline also sponsors some of the worlds biggest football clubs including Al Sadd SC, Boca Juniors, FC Bayern München and Paris Saint-Germain.

The national carrier of the State of Qatar continues to rebuild its network, which currently stands at over 140 destinations. With more frequencies being added to key hubs, Qatar Airways offers unrivalled connectivity to passengers, making it easy for them to connect to a destination of their choice. The airlines hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA), was also recently recognized as the Best Airport in the World 2021, ranking at number one in the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2021.

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was announced as the Airline of the Year at the 2021 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organization, Skytrax. It was also named Worlds Best Business Class, Worlds Best Business Class Airline Lounge, Worlds Best Business Class Airline Seat, Worlds Best Business Class Onboard Catering and Best Airline in the Middle East. The airline continues to stand alone at the top of the industry having won the main prize for an unprecedented sixth time (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021).

Qatar Airways also became the first global airline in the world to achieve the prestigious 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating by Skytrax. This follows the success of Hamad International Airport as the first airport in the Middle East and Asia to be awarded a Skytrax 5-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating. These awards provide assurance to passengers across the world that the airlines health and safety measures are subject to the highest possible standards of professional, independent scrutiny and assessment.

Qatar Airways currently flies to over 140 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, currently named the Best Airport in the World" by Skytrax World Airport Awards 2021.

(QNA)