In anticipation of the FIFA World Cup 2022 draw taking place in Qatar, the country’s foreign gateway is hopeful that the event would result in a long-term rise in traffic. Given that the whole world will be looking to Qatar today for the FIFA World Cup 2022 draw, Doha’s Hamad International (DOH) hopes that the event will serve as a catalyst to lure even more flight service to the airport.
Executive vice president for strategy and commercial development Sujata Suri, the airport’s spokesperson, said that airlines from Europe, Asia, and North America have shown “strong interest” in operating scheduled service at the airport not just during the duration of the tournament, which runs from Nov. 21 to Dec. 18, but also afterwards.
The country of Qatar is expecting around 1.8 million people for the sport’s most prestigious tournament. The participation of 29 of the 32 countries scheduled to participate has already been confirmed.
“We anticipate a significant increase in the number of airlines operating to Doha during the World Cup,” Suri told Routes. “We have established a targeted assistance program for airlines that will aid them in the development of scheduled routes,” says the Department of Transportation.
“The World Cup is unquestionably a fantastic chance for all airlines to get firsthand knowledge of Hamad International’s operational excellence as well as the commercial potential of Qatar,” says the CEO.
American Airlines will debut a new route from New York John F Kennedy (JFK) on June 4 in an effort to increase traffic via Doha to places in the network of oneworld alliance member Qatar Airways, according to the airline. In addition, Germany’s flag airline Lufthansa has announced the addition of flights from Frankfurt (FRA), which will begin on November 14 and operate through December 19, beginning on November 14.
When it comes to starting operations during the World Cup, Hamad International has established an on-boarding plan to assist scheduled and charter flights. More long-term interest in Qatar, especially in O&D traffic, is hoped to result from the event, according to the airport.
“There is no question that the World Cup has increased the country’s international prominence,” Suri remarked of the tournament. “These kind of events leave an incredible legacy to the hosts, with many of them serving as the springboard for the growth of their tourist industries.
To market this new world-class tourist destination, we are already working closely with Qatar Tourism and other players in the value chain, and we are ready to welcome and assist airlines and tour operators as soon as they arrive.
According to data from the OAG Schedules Analyzer, Hamad International is presently serviced by 36 different airlines. Qatar Airways, the country’s flag carrier, controls around 88 percent of all departure seats.
According to the most recent numbers for the week beginning March 28, capacity has returned to around 85 percent of pre-pandemic levels. The airport anticipates that capacity will be completely restored to 2019 levels by the peak summer season.