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Qatar Airspace at its peak amid Football World Cup razor-thin matches

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Since November 20, 2022, the FIFA World Cup, the most famous sporting event in history, has begun taking place in Qatar, drawing attention and travelers from all corners of the globe. Now, it is safe to say that everyone is aware of Qatar—a tiny peninsula, with a population of slightly over 1.7 million—as Doha, the nation’s capital, is experiencing its largest influx of travelers and airlines.

In addition to managing the event itself, Qatar has been transporting executives, spectators, and football clubs and managing the incoming flights.

Qatari Airspace

A massive flight influx is currently occurring at the two airports in the wake of the event. Ninety aircraft movements per hour, including takeoffs and landings, are being recorded at the airport.

The HIA Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer reaffirmed that both airports are fully prepared to handle the flood of World Cup travelers and supporters.

Engr. Al Meer stated that the two international airports’ readiness is a result of early preparation for any difficulties that might arise when handling planes during the competition. With more flights, he claimed, both airports are now seeing about 90 takeoffs and landings every hour of air traffic.

Qatari Airspace

Mohamed Faleh al-Hajri, the acting director of the Civil Aviation Authority’s (QCCA) Air Transport and Airport Affairs Department, emphasized that the civil aviation system is prepared to handle the enormous increase in traffic in Qatari airspace during the World Cup.

Given the early measures taken by the state and the relevant authorities to handle the congestion and at the same time to avoid any complications caused by that congestion, al-Hajri ruled out in his remarks to QNA that this period will witness any stumbles with the congestion in Qatari airspace.

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“During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, there were around 1,396 flights in a week,” said Qatar Airways management in its official statement.

During the football season, Qatar will reportedly receive more than a million visitors, according to the weekly Arabian Business. From November 17 to December 20, 2022, Qatar Airways aims to operate approximately 13,000 flights to accommodate the influx of soccer enthusiasts into the nation.

The Middle Eastern airline will also offer 24-hour service and the option to stay in surrounding locations like Dubai or Kuwait City to match ticket holders traveling to Doha. Additionally, they enable spectators to fly to Doha on the day of the game, take in the excitement, and then fly back home without difficulty.

Qatari Airspace

All employees and air traffic controllers received training in advance of the event, which helped controllers organize the arrival and departure of aircraft to and from Doha.
In order to ensure the provision of highly efficient and distinguished services that fit with the requirements of this major event, which will be a significant milestone in the history of the entire region, neighboring countries have also been provided with a website about the hours of departure from their countries, known as SLOT Departure Time. This website helps with the regularity of air traffic at peak times.

Getting around Qatar during the World Cup

All of the World Cup stadiums are close together. During the tournament, transportation routes are anticipated to be extremely congested. During the competition, a few significant thoroughfares, like Doha’s Corniche, will be pedestrianized. Make sure to properly schedule your trips, especially on days when there are matches.
Utilize public transportation wherever possible. On match days, everyone with a Hayya Card will be able to ride the bus, subway, and tram for free.

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