HE the Minister of State and Qatar National Library president Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari represented Qatar at the inaugural event, organised by the award-winning airline, in collaboration with the ‘Years of Culture’ to mark the successful completion of the Qatar – Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture.
The new route to Medan solidifies the ties between both nations as the Qatar – Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture comes to a close. During the inaugural event, passengers were greeted with cupcakes and music at the departure gate of Hamad International Airport.
The inaugural flight, QR966, and the dignitaries onboard were welcomed at Kualanamu International Airport by water cannon salute and high-ranking government officials and dignitaries.
The official gala dinner was also attended by officials and dignitaries from both countries, the Qatari ambassador to Indonesia Fawziya Edrees Salman al-Sulaiti; Indonesian ambassador to Qatar Ridwan Hassan, Medan Mayor Mohammed Bobby Afif; and secretary general for Years of Culture Steering Committee and director of Executive Committee, Sara AlMohannadi.
In a press statement, HE Dr al-Kawari said: “The success of the Qatar – Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture laid the groundwork for the launch of the new route between Doha and Medan, which will strengthen the people-to-people connections that were established last year.
“Thanks to the enduring spirit of cooperation between our two nations spearheaded by the wise leadership His Highness the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Qataris and Indonesians can now unlock exciting new destinations and the diverse beauty of each. I would like to thank Qatar Airways for its unwavering commitment to excellence and connectivity and for helping send a powerful message of cultural co-operation as the Qatar – Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture comes to an end.”
Qatar Airways Group CEO engineer Badr Mohamed al-Meer said: “We look forward to enabling travellers to experience the best of what Medan has to offer while seamlessly connecting them to the most popular destinations around the globe through our multiple-award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport.”
At the gala dinner, Qatar Airways senior vice president – Eastern Regions, Marwan Koleilat said: “This new expansion of operations further demonstrates Qatar Airways’ steadfast commitment to the Indonesian market.”
President Director for PT Angkasa Pura 2, Achmad Rifai, said: “Travellers from North Sumatra now have a direct route to the world via Qatar Airways’ hub in Doha. This route will greatly facilitate global connections and create new opportunities for international air freight transport from Medan as well.”
The new direct service to Medan is operated by Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which includes 22 Business Class seats and 232 Economy Class seats.
The city of Medan is the capital and largest city of the Indonesian province of North Sumatra. As a thriving economic hub and commercial center of the region, Medan attracts business travellers, while offering leisure travellers a mosaic of cultural diversity, scenic beauty and a unique blend of flavours.
Flight schedule to Medan: Every Monday, Thursday and Saturday (all local time):
- Doha (DOH) to Medan (KNO) - Flight No. QR966: Departure 2.40am; Arrival 1.30pm
- Medan (KNO) to Doha (DOH) - Flight No. QR967: Departure 7pm; Arrival 10.15pm
