Visit Qatar and FUN&SUN launch direct Russia-Doha charter flights starting October 2026

Visit Qatar has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with TT-Travel LLC (FUN&SUN), a leading tour operator across the Russian and CIS markets, to strengthen tourism ties between Russia and Qatar.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai and will introduce a dedicated charter flight programme connecting Russia directly with Hamad International Airport in Doha from October 2026.

Dedicated Charter Flights from Russia to Qatar

Under the partnership, Visit Qatar and FUN&SUN will work together on a dedicated charter programme aimed at increasing direct air connectivity and attracting more leisure travellers from Russia.

The programme is expected to bring more than 22,000 Russian tourists to Qatar during the 2026/2027 winter season. Direct charter services will operate from Moscow and Yekaterinburg.

Holiday Packages to Showcase Qatar

The partnership will also focus on developing and promoting comprehensive holiday packages for Russian travellers.

Packages will combine direct charter flights with beachfront hotels and resorts, excursions and cultural experiences. The initiative will offer travellers greater convenience while highlighting Qatar’s luxury hospitality, family entertainment, cultural attractions and beachfront experiences.

Joint Marketing Campaign Across Russia

Visit Qatar and FUN&SUN will launch a joint co-marketing campaign across key Russian markets to increase awareness of Qatar and encourage holiday package bookings.

The campaign will include:

B2B training webinars
Retail travel agency incentives
Trade roadshows
Co-branded digital B2C advertising
These activities will be supported by FUN&SUN’s nationwide retail and sub-agency network of more than 600 partner agencies.

Strengthening Qatar’s Presence in the Russian Market

The partnership forms part of Visit Qatar’s strategy to diversify its international source markets, strengthen direct air connectivity and expand Qatar’s presence in the premium leisure segment across Russia and the CIS.

By combining dedicated charter capacity with coordinated destination marketing and established travel-trade distribution, the collaboration is expected to support continued growth in Russian visitor arrivals to Qatar throughout the 2026/2027 winter season.