Qatar Airways Adds New Saudi Destination, Returns to Syria After 13 Years

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DOHA- Qatar Airways (QR) has launched flights to Abha (AHB), Saudi Arabia, marking its 11th destination within the Kingdom.

Qatar Airways is resuming flights to Damascus (DAM), Syria, beginning January 7, 2025, after a 13-year hiatus. This decision reinforces the airline’s commitment to regional connectivity and meeting growing passenger demand.

Qatar Airways New Saudi Destination

Qatar Airways (QR) landed its first flight at Abha International Airport (AHB) on January 2, 2025.

Operating twice weekly, the Abha route offers seamless connections to the airline’s global network through Hamad International Airport Hub.

The addition of Abha brings Qatar Airways’ total destinations in Saudi Arabia to 11, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to strengthening regional ties and meeting passenger demand.

The other destinations include AlUla, Dammam, Jeddah, Medina, NEOM, Qassim, Riyadh, Tabuk, Taif, and Yanbu. This comprehensive coverage enhances travel flexibility and supports the Kingdom’s growing prominence as a hub for tourism and business.

The airline operates over 140 weekly flights between Saudi Arabia and Doha, transporting more than 36,000 passengers weekly.

Qatar and Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Program

The collaboration between Qatar Airways and Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Program underscores the shared ambition to expand tourism infrastructure and opportunities.

According to Air Connectivity Program CEO, Majid Khan, the partnership is crucial for opening Saudi Arabia to global travelers and showcasing its unique offerings.

Cluster 2 Airports Company CEO, Eng. Ali Masrahi, emphasized the alignment of this new route with Vision 2030, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s National Tourism Strategy and creating employment opportunities in the Aseer region.

Similarly, Aseer Development Authority Chief of Tourism, Mr. Hatim Al-Harbi, noted the initiative’s role in achieving the goal of welcoming 9.1 million annual visitors to Aseer by 2030.

This move is part of a broader strategy to position the region as a year-round tourist destination within the GCC.

Qatar Airways Resumes Syria Route

Qatar Airways has announced the resumption of three weekly flights to Damascus, Syria.

The decision to return to Syria follows meticulous planning and collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with stringent safety, security, and operational protocols.

By resuming operations, Qatar Airways aims to support the growing demand for travel in the region while offering passengers convenient access to its expansive global network.

Hamad International Airport, the airline’s hub, provides travelers from Damascus with world-class services and connectivity to destinations worldwide. Passengers can enjoy streamlined transit, premium facilities, and Qatar Airways’ renowned service, further enhancing the travel experience.

Turkish Returns to Syria

Turkish Airlines (TK) has also announced plans to resume flights to Damascus and Aleppo (ALP) after a 13-year hiatus, following the stabilization of security conditions in Syria.

The flights were halted in 2011 due to the outbreak of the civil war, which devastated the country’s infrastructure and rendered its airspace unsafe.

A team from Turkey’s General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMİ) recently traveled to Syria to conduct detailed inspections at Damascus and Aleppo international airports.

DHMİ Chairman Enes Çakmak publicly shared images of these efforts, signaling Turkey’s commitment to re-establishing air connectivity.

While flights have been listed on the Turkish Airlines website and mobile app, ticket sales are yet to commence.

The exact timeline for resumption remains unconfirmed, though there are indications that services could begin by late December following additional maintenance and security assessments.

The first commercial flight within Syria since President Bashar al-Assad’s removal from power recently took off from Damascus and landed in Aleppo. This symbolic journey carried 43 passengers, including journalists, highlighting Syria’s efforts to rebuild its aviation sector.

Executives Remark

Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the airline’s dedication to fostering connections across the region. He stated:

“We are pleased to resume flights to Damascus, a destination of great historical and cultural importance. This announcement underscores our dedication to fostering connectivity and facilitating travel for our passengers.”

Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, CEO, Qatar Airways Group

This resumption represents Qatar Airways’ broader mission to strengthen regional ties while supporting tourism and trade in the Middle East. The airline’s extensive network ensures travelers have access to diverse destinations, fostering greater cultural and economic exchange.

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