LONDON – As the start of the FIFA World Cups is coming closer, Qatar’s Doha Airport is working to become the catalyst for the region, trying to attract even more customers to the region to watch one of the most hyped and exciting events after 2 years of isolation and cancellations of events.

Airport Demand Due to Increase…

The airport is witnessing “significant interest” from airlines all around the world to not just fly to and from Qatar during the World Cups, but also beyond.

“We are expecting many more carriers to operate in Doha during the World Cup,” said Sujata Suri, Hamad International Airports’ Vice President of Strategy and Commercial Development.

“We have developed a targeted support program for airlines that will assist them in developing scheduled routes. 

“The World Cup is a great opportunity for all airlines to experience Hamad International’s operational excellence as well as Qatar’s market potential.” 

Airlines All-In for World Cup Presence…

New airlines such as American Airlines are already planning to operate from New York to Doha from June 4th. It is trying to expand its network through its use of the Oneworld alliance it is in like Qatar Airways.

Lufthansa is also expanding its routes to Qatar, although it is currently confirmed that they are going to fly during the period the World Cup is taking place.

The airport is trying to focus on airlines such as Lufthansa as they’re only launching a temporal flight period, while if demand is enough for an extended period, or if the airport is offering a good enough deal for the airline, then Lufthansa might continue flying to Doha permanently.

 “There is no doubt that the World Cup has given the country great visibility,” Suri said. “These kinds of events leave an amazing legacy to the hosts for many of them becoming the springboard of their tourism development.  

“We are already working in close coordination with Qatar Tourism and other stakeholders in the value chain to promote this new world-class tourism destination—and we are ready to welcome and support airlines and tour operators.”

The World Cup Is Going to Benefit The Region…

This move would also greatly benefit the region, as it would make the Gulf countries less reliant on their oil production, and could focus their shift to tourism, which is an already growing market that just needs a boost, and the FIFA World Cup is a great excuse for the region to use as a potential means to come there.

Qatar is also expecting the capacity levels to be around pre-pandemic when the summer hits, which means that the aviation market, and also the tourism industry, is going to have to work hard around that period if they want to keep up the same standards as they had before.

The move to connect other airlines to Doha would also greatly benefit Qatar, as mentioned before, other airlines from within the same alliance like Qatar Airways would greatly benefit from the possible connections Qatar offers and would also improve their position as an airline, earning more trust from the passengers.