News

Gulf carriers combine to run World Cup shuttle flights

Gulf carriers are to run match day shuttle flights to coincide with World Cup matches in Qatar this winter.

Qatar Airways, flydubai, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air and Saudia aim to connect supporters to Doha for day trips during the tournament.

Fans based in Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE will also travel on dedicated ground transfers between the airport and stadium when booking the shuttle fares.

Match day shuttle tickets will cover rotating frequencies from Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Muscat and Riyadh.

Supporters will arrive in the morning and depart in the evening, with no hotel accommodation required. 

A no check-in baggage policy will apply to simplify travel.

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 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.”

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.