Qatar Airways has tied up with flydubai, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air and Saudia to connect FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 match ticket holders to Doha via Match Day Shuttle Flights.
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 passengers.
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.
Football fans based in Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE will soon be able to book their Match Day Shuttle flights, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive HE Akbar al-Baker told a press conference in Doha on Thursday.
The four GCC carriers will operate some 168 daily shuttle flights to Doha International Airport, al-Baker said at the media event where agreements were signed between Qatar Airways and the four GCC carriers - flydubai, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air and Saudia.
Flydubai will operate up to 60 daily flights from Dubai, the region's tourism hub, carrying up to 2,500 fans, while Oman Air will run up to 48 daily flights from Muscat carrying up to 3,400 fans. Kuwait Airways will run up to 20 flights a day carrying up to 1,700 fans. Saudia will operate up to 40 daily flights carrying up to 10,000 fans from Riyadh and Jeddah.
He said Etihad and Air Arabia may join the GCC airlines agreement to organise shuttle service to Qatar during world cup. 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.
HE 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.”

Yasir al-Jamal, director-general, 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.
Ghaith al-Ghaith, chief executive officer, flydubai, said, “We are very pleased to be part of this game-changing partnership with Qatar Airways and the other partner GCC national carriers. This will allow us to welcome more football fans and visitors from all over the world to experience the warm hospitality and rich culture of our region.
“Having recently hosted a global event in Dubai, we know first-hand the positive impact such events have not only on the travel and hospitality sectors, but also on the wider economy and the overall morale. We are honoured to be able to play a part in supporting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022; enabling more people to share in the joy of the beautiful game via our 30 daily return Match Day Shuttle flights between Dubai and Doha.”
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 emphasised by Kuwait’s 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, “We are 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 added, “Saudi Arabian Airlines 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.”

Total flights per day

* flydubai, Dubai - 60
* Kuwait Airways, Kuwait City - 20
* Oman Air, Muscat - 48
* Saudia, Riyadh and Jeddah - 40
 
 
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