Ticket holders of the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 can now book one of the daily Air Arabia shuttles from Sharjah to Doha, with flights taking off and returning on the same day starting November 21.
The low-cost carrier, which already operates three daily scheduled flights from Sharjah International Airport to Hamad International Airport in Doha, has launched 14 additional trips so football fans can fly in andwatch lives games and return soon after.
Only fans with tickets are eligible to board the shuttle flights, with each passenger entitled to 10 kilograms of hand baggage.
Ticket holders must register for a Hayya card through the official website in order to be able to enter Qatar, access the stadiums, as well as get free transportation to and from the stadiums using the Doha Metro directly from Hamad International Airport.
All travellers must plan their trips carefully, arriving in Doha at least four hours before a match and departing four hours after, Air Arabia said.
"The shuttle flights will provide fans with easy, reliable and timely access in and out of Doha to enjoy the matches and return right after," said Adel Al Ali, group chief executive officer of Air Arabia.
Flydubai also announced match day flights in May, which would allow ticket holders to easily travel between Dubai and Doha. The airline is operating up to 30 return flights per day during the event.
Last week, Qatar Airways said it will restructure its flight schedule temporarily to handle a surge in passenger traffic expected during the World Cup.
“We have to withdraw from many destinations in order to relieve capacity and make room for other airlines also to come to Doha and utilise the slots, which otherwise would be nearly impossible to sustain, and this would happen during just the 30-day period,” group chief executive Akbar Al Baker said.
The Air Arabia shuttle flights to Doha will operate until December 18, the last day of the World Cup.
History of Air Arabia - in pictures
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In 2018, Air Arabia celebrated its 15th anniversary by launching its new brand identity. Photo: Air Arabia -
Air Arabia was founded by a decree issued by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah. -
Air Arabia jets featuring the airline's previous branding. Photo: Flickr -
Air Arabia was the first budget airline in the Middle East and North Africa. -
Air Arabia office at Sharjah International Airport. -
Air Arabia crew members in the airline's previous uniforms. -
In 2010, Air Arabia made its inaugural flight from Alexandria to Abu Dhabi. -
An Air Arabia A320 featuring the airline's previous logo. -
An Air Arabia narrowbody in flight. -
A traveller checks in at Air Arabia counters at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. Photo: Shereen El Gazzar -
Air Arabia is the UAE's only listed airline. -
Air Arabia launched a new uniform as part of its 18-year anniversary celebrations. -
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi plans to have 20 jets by 2025. -
Inside the airline's training hub. -
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi landed in Oman for the first time in 2020. -
Air Arabia's aircraft and staff uniforms have changed over the years. -
Air Arabia crew members. -
The no-frills airline now flies to 170 destinations from hubs in the UAE, Morocco and Egypt.
