FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: UAE-Doha flight costs fall as airlines plan additional flights

This figure represents a significant drop from highs seen earlier this year. On November 20, direct one-way flights were previously being sold for in excess of AED7,000, but can now be purchased for around AED2,500.

The price rise can be attributed to massive increases in demand during the football mega-event taking place in Qatar between November 21 and December 18.

On Thursday, five Middle Eastern airlines, Qatar Airways, flydubai, Saudia, Kuwait Airways, and Oman Air, announced that they would also be offering special shuttle flights to Doha during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 for ticket holders.

These flights, which are only available for FIFA ticket holders, will also allow fans to visit Qatar to watch a match and then leave on the same day.

“The convenience of these match day shuttles services will enable football fans to move freely and travel from the UAE, enjoy a football match in Doha and return in the same day. We are dedicated to offering our passengers the best experiences throughout their travel journey to match the excitement,” flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said.

Prices for these flights have yet to be revealed, although Abdulaziz Al Raisi, CEO, Oman Air noted during the press event that the airlines would try to keep the price at “a minimum.”

Qatari flag carrier Qatar Airways has also ramped up recruitment efforts to meet the anticipated surge in market demand ahead of the tournament. In addition, the airline has expanded its international network and stepped up efforts to restore pre-Covid-19 capacity.

The event, which was rescheduled to November to avoid the heat, is forecasted to host 1.2 million visitors from across the globe, and has raised hopes for significant economic growth and accelerated sector recovery.

Qatar Tourism Chief Operating Officer Berthold Trenkel had previously told Arabian Business that he thinks the country’s preparations for the World Cup “will be enough.”