The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is set to provide a boost to the Iranian aviation industry after the two countries signed agreements for closer cooperation in air and sea transport. The competition, held in November and December, will see around one million visitors to Qatar, of which 100,000 are expected in Iran.

Iranian aviation to benefit from Qatar World Cup 2022

With the 2022 World Cup now just over six months away, Qatar and Iran have signed agreements that will see thousands of fans visit Iranian territory during the competition. The two countries plan around 400 direct flights per week during the World Cup along with increased cruise liner links.

Many fans will be staying at Kish Island, a resort island in the Persian Gulf around 270 km north of Qatar. The island is just a 40-minute plane trip from Qatar and has projected around 100,000 visitors over the World Cup.

Iran Airbus A330
Iran Air has two eight-year-old Airbus A330-200s that it manages to keep flying despite western sanctions. Photo: Getty Images

Head of the Association of Iranian Airlines, Maghsoud Asadi Samani, said,

"Iranian companies will increase flights to Qatar based on potential increasing demands."

While Kish Island is the primary focus, Iran has also put forward other islands and cities in the southern province of Hormozgan Province as suitable bases for fans.

Qatari transport minister, Jassim bin Saif al-Sulaiti, embarked on a two-day visit to Kish Island last month with Iran’s roads minister Rostam Ghassemi. During the trip, the ministers visited Kish International Airport's passenger terminal, which is still under construction.

Ghassemi said,

"Iran's contribution to the World Cup will be in the areas of air and sea transport and accommodation of foreign and Iranian passengers. We also plan to offer foreign fans and tourists during their stay in Iran the opportunity to visit the country's tourist gems."

Up to 100 daily flights

According to Mohammad Mohammadi, the head of Iran's Civil Aviation Organization, there could be up to 100 flights per day between the two countries, up from the current rate of 72.

Other officials have provided an estimate of 400 weekly flights. The bilateral agreement between Qatar and Iran will allow Qatar Airways to schedule just as many flights to Iran as Iranian airlines are operating the other way.

Iran could be an appealing destination for fans looking for a more affordable base. The Iranian rial has weakened due to years of economic sanctions, while accomodation in Qatar is likely to be expensive.

Qatar plans to deal with the influx of visitors by bringing the ex-Doha Airport out of retirement for the 2022 World Cup.

Discover more aviation news with Simple Flying.

Visa waivers on the cards

To facilitate easier travel between the two countries, Iran may waive visa requirements for travelers coming from Qatar. This would likely include free single or multi-entry passes for 20 days over November and December.

Qatar Airways Airbus A380 Getty
Iran is likely to introduce visa waivers for travelers from Qatar. Photo: Getty Images

Iran won't just be a base for foreign fans after the country's national team qualified for this year's World Cup. Iran will face off with England, the United States, and one of Ukraine, Scotland or Wales in the Group Stage.

Do you plan on visiting Qatar during the World Cup? Are you considering staying in Iran? Let us know in the comments.