Aviation Qatar Airways says not increasing flight prices due to World Cup By Pramod Kumar September 22, 2022, 6:11 AM REUTERS/Imad Creidi Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker and IATA Director General Willie Walsh attend a news conference in Doha on September 21, 2022. Qatar Airways is not taking advantage of the FIFA World Cup 2022 to increase flight ticket prices and has capped the price of shuttle flights from GCC states, Reuters reported, citing group chief executive Akbar Al Baker. However, ticket prices will remain high due to lack of capacity as airline manufacturers face challenges delivering aircraft on time, Gulf Times reported him as saying. Moreover, the tourism industry will be hit hard if people’s disposable income shrinks due to inflation. “Despite optimism and rebound in travel, post-pandemic we are still in dangerous times due to conflicts around the world,” the CEO said, adding, “as we start seeing a recovery, something else happens and puts pressure on our bottom line.” Separately, Qatar announced it was suspending entry of all visitors from November 1, 2022, allowing only Hayya cardholders into the country during the World Cup. Visit visas will resume from December 23, 2022, said the ministry’s director of public relations Abdullah Khalifa Al Muftah. Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later
