• Qatar Airways Airbus A350-1041A7-ANN
    Qatar Airways
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    QR/QTR
    Airline Type:
    Full Service Carrier
    Hub(s):
    Doha Hamad International Airport
    Year Founded:
    1993
    Alliance:
    oneworld
    CEO:
    Akbar Al Baker
    Country:
    Qatar

The world's largest sporting event is happening in Qatar this winter and in preparation, Qatar Airways has announced updates to its flight schedules worldwide.

Qatar Airways is preparing for the FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup is the largest sporting event in the world, drawing over 3 million spectators at the 2018 edition held in Russia. This year's it will be held in Qatar in November and December, a change from the usual months of June and July. Qatar Airways is a partner of the FIFA World Cup and is preparing for a busy schedule during the two final months of the year.

According to Aeroroutes, Qatar announced network adjustments yesterday, May 24. Below are a few of the adjustments:

  • Doha - Amsterdam | November 17 - December 5, Boeing 777-200LR | December 06 - 20, Boeing 787-9 | 1x daily
  • Doha - Atlanta | November 17 - December 20, Airbus A350-900XWB | 1x daily (except December 17 & 19)
  • Doha - Barcelona | November 17 - December 20, Boeing 787-8 | 2x daily
  • Doha - Berlin | November 17 - December 16, Boeing 787-9 | 1x daily (except December 15)
  • Doha - Boston | November 17 - December 20, Airbus A350-900XWB | 1x daily
  • Doha - Brisbane | November 17 - December 19, Airbus A350-900XWB | 1x daily **except: November 18 & December 02, Boeing 777-300ER; December 15 & 19, Airbus A350-1000XWB | 1x daily
  • Doha - Dallas Fort Worth | November 17 - December 20, Airbus A350-1000XWB / Boeing 777-200LR | 3x daily
  • Doha - Dubai | November 17 - December 20, Airbus A330/A350-1000XWB / Boeing 777/787 | 3x daily
  • Doha - London Heathrow | November 17 - December 20, Boeing 777-300ER/200LR | 5x daily
  • Doha - Los Angeles | November 17 - December 20, Boeing 777-200LR / Airbus A350-1000XWB | 10x weekly
  • Doha - Miami | November 17 - December 20, Boeing 777-300ER | 2x daily
  • Doha - Paris | November 17 - December 20, Boeing 777-300ER | 3x daily
  • Doha - São Paulo | November 17 - December 20, Boeing 777-300ER | 3x daily
  • Doha - Zurich | November 17 - December 20, Boeing 777-300ER | 10x weekly **7x weekly from December 4, Boeing 777/Airbus A350

Other airlines preparing for the World Cup

Recently, Aerolineas Argentinas announced that it will operate a number of charter flights to Doha to transport football fans to the World Cup. The Argentinian airline currently has six flights planned, two per each match of the group stage. Should Argentina advance (which is very likely), the airline will add more charter flights.

The flights from Buenos Aires (EZE) to Doha (DOH) will make a stop in Rome (FCO) because of the large distance between Buenos Aires and Doha (around 8,288 miles or 13,338 kilometers). The stop will last one hour before departing for Doha, and the total flight time will be around 19 hours.

GettyImages-1035266732-2
Aerolíneas Argentinas will fly its Airbus A330-200 to Doha for the FIFA World Cup. Photo: Getty Images.

For the World Cup charters, Aerolineas Argentinas will use its AIrbus A330-200 aircraft, with a 270 passenger capacity in a two-class cabin. The airline's A330 aircraft have 24 angle-flat Club Condor seats and 248 standard economy seats.

Commenting on the charter flights, Aerolíneas Argentinas' CEO, Pablo Ceriani, said,

“This charter service is a great opportunity to create additional revenue, and it is also very special because it feeds the Argentinian’s football passion.”

In preparation for the World Cup, many airlines will revise their schedules to/from Doha, and may even add charters. As always, Simple Flying will keep readers updated on aviation news worldwide.

Source: Aeroroutes