Qatar Airways Outlines FIFA World Cup Operations Update

The airline is making changes to its business model in order to better serve passengers during the World Cup in the country.

“We changed our business model for five weeks. Qatar Airways is becoming more of a point-to-point operation.”

Qatar Airways chief commercial officer Thierry Antinori

Antinori expects a million people to attend the event.

“Our current business model is 15% to stay in Qatar, 85% are in transfer. During the World Cup this will change to 60% will stay in Qatar, 40% will fly on.”

Qatar Airways chief commercial officer Thierry Antinori

There are two intensive connection waves and a third time bank that will be further developed.

A permanent flow of passengers is created by smoothing out the flight plan. The strategy to shorten waiting times is being implemented by the Oneworld alliance member.

During the World Cup, some destinations will be added by the airline. Antinori says there will be more flights to the US, Brazil and Europe. The flights to Madrid and Sao Paolo will be 5X-daily instead of twice- daily, while the flights to Dallas and Sao Paolo will be 3X- daily.

Certain services will be stopped or reduced during the World Cup. The carrier will stop flying to Lagos, Nigeria, and other cities in Africa.

We try to remain competitive in our main markets, for example coming from Austria to Thailand, but not always as optimal as usual.

The schedule is based on the existing fleet. Antinori says that they have charter aircraft from the two airlines, but they all fly through their hub with their flight attendants, pilots and Catering. There are eight A380s and some A330s in the air. Customers can rely on us because we have a flight plan that we can use.

In time for the opening of the World Cup, a new terminal extension will be opened in late September or October. The capacity will increase to 58 million.