With the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 officially concluded, Qatar Airways has had quite a busy month with nearly 14,000 flights operated, uniting the world in Qatar for the most significant sporting event in history. Let's look at some of the highlights of the airline's journey through the World Cup.

Welcoming fans to Doha

As the official airline partner for FIFA, Qatar Airways celebrated the beginning of the tournament season by launching the official campaign son, 'C.H.A.M.P.I.O.N.S.' Within a month, the song reached 23 million views. The airline also offered all passengers flying through Hamad International Airport and Doha International Airport a positive experience at the Passenger Overflow Areas (POAs), setting a new standard of excellence for international travel at sporting events.

The POAs had built-in fans with dedicated facilities to complete their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 journey. And throughout the duration of the tournament, Qatar Airways' frequent flyer program, the Privilege Club, welcomed over 67,000 new valued members across five different marketing campaigns. The airline also received more than 1.8 million fans at the Qatar Airways Sky House, located at the FIFA Fan Festival, which witnessed global passengers through countless international, local, and onboard football-themed activations and entertainment experiences.

Bringing fans the sights and sounds

Curious to know what the activities and entertainment experiences were? Qatar Airways provided a range of interactive fun such as the Neymar Challenge, the Qverse experience, Swing the World, foosball, and face painting. And throughout the World Cup period, the airline sponsored the Diego Armando Maradona Give&Get Fanfest using state-of-the-art technology, public exhibits, fashion show events, auctions, and more to honor the late Argentine football player.

The airline also hosted seven Qatar Live concerts to feature outstanding performances from international artists such as Jason Derulo, Enrique Iglesias, Black Eyed Peas, J Balvin, Robbie Williams, Tamer Hosny, and Akon. Alongside these world-renowned artists, Qatar Live also brought back the Daydream festival with a new stage - the Magic Lantern.

Not forgetting the football action

And what's the World Cup without the football tournaments? Throughout the 64 matches played live in Doha, over 3.4 million fans were in attendance in Doha, most of whom had traveled with Qatar Airways. The airline was also the appointed medal and award giver during the official conclusion of the World Cup after Argentina's historic 4-2 victory on penalties over 2018 champions France, as Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker highlighted:

"On behalf of the Qatar Airways Group, I would like to congratulate the Argentinian team for their victorious performance and also commend the French team for their inspiring journey throughout the tournament."

The airline also concluded the tournament festivities with a partnership with the international artist Lili Cantero. During the Final, Cantero live painted a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 aircraft model at the FIFA Fan Festival. Cantero depicted vital moments and highlights of the thrilling face-off between Argentina and France. At the intersection of arts and sports, her work portrays the story of the successfully delivered FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

While it has been an exciting and historical World Cup for the participating teams and football fans alike, the same could be said for Qatar Airways, as emphasized by Baker:

"What started as a dream has finally turned into reality. The State of Qatar succeeded in bringing the world together in a celebration of football and unity. Now, history will remember this FIFA World Cup - the first in the Middle East and the best edition ever. We are grateful to have been a part of this long and rewarding experience as the Official Airline of the Journey. For every step and every mile traveled with us, we have aimed to deliver a flying experience like no other.”

Back to regularly scheduled operations

Now that the World Cup has concluded, perhaps Qatar Airways has time to finally catch a breath, or perhaps not. After all, the millions of football fans would need to catch a flight home, which is probably why for a few days after December 18th, the airline had more than 440 scheduled flights per day across its network. And even after sending these football fans home, the Christmas holidays and countdown to the New Year have officially begun, so even after being back to regular flight operations, it seems Qatar Airways won't be taking a breather anytime soon.