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Updated November 2022
With the Saudi national football team having successfully secured their spot in the World Cup finals this year, Saudi football fans are in for an exhilarating winter. The Green Falcons is now duking it out with Argentina, Poland, and Mexico in the group stages held in neighbouring Qatar.
Fans can easily book tickets and hotels through World Cup travel packages. For the Saudi fans, due to their close proximity to Qatar, some opt to base their World Cup experience in Saudi Arabia. This in turn may prompt fans to attend World Cup matches via chartered plane packages from Saudi Arabia, especially amid the rising cost of airfares.
Please note: The Qatari authorities have announced the suspension of entry for visitors into the country from 1 November until 23 December 2022. Only Hayya Card holders, Qatari citizens, and Qatar residence permit holders will be allowed to enter. The last date to apply for a Hayya card is 18 December 2022. Card holders can stay in Qatar until 23 January 2023.
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Multiple-entry visa for Hayya Card holders
With international fans basing their World Cup Journey in Saudi Arabia, the authorities have rolled out multiple-entry visit visa schemes for international fans holding the Hayya Card.
Holders of the Hayya Card may apply for the Saudi multiple-entry visa allowing for a 60-day stay in the Kingdom beginning 10 days before the tournament kicks off.
Why book chartered flights?
With high demands for Doha bound flights, prices have inevitably spiked. It’s been reported that airfares to Doha from Riyadh for the month of November have soared to more than SAR 1,260 (USD 355) and are expected to continue to climb.
If you’re not planning on staying in Qatar for the World Cup and are not particularly keen on spending that much money on a 90-minute flight, chartered flights will offer a significantly more affordable option.
Chartering a flight to Qatar for the World Cup means you and your companions will have the choice of bypassing crowded airport terminals and flying at a time that suits you without the restrictions of a scheduled flight. You can also fly for a match and back on the same day without the need for booking accommodation.
Of course, tour operators have naturally picked up on this and are currently offering to ferry international football fans to Doha by way of fan packages which include chartered flights as well as accommodation.
How much is a charter flight to Doha from Saudi Arabia?
If you’re planning on booking private flights to Doha on your own and not through a tour operator, the cost for a charter flight will depend on things like the city of departure, the number of passengers, catering preferences, and other details.
Generally speaking, the cost of private charter flights is determined per billable flight hour. For example, the flying distance from Riyadh to Doha is approximately 491 kilometers and typically takes about an hour depending on the aircraft.
Therefore the cost of a chartered flight will always depend on the destination, the number of passengers, and the type of aircraft. Most Saudi companies offering chartered plane services typically require you to contact them for a cost-efficient quote.
That said, however, the ballpark hourly rate may start from USD 1,000 per hour not inclusive of fuel, taxes, and other fees. The prices also vary according to the type of aircraft ranging from small turboprops to luxury business jets.
How to book a chartered plane package from Saudi Arabia?
If you’re looking to book a World Cup fan package, all you need to do is contact your Saudi tour operator and they’ll take care of the rest. They will provide you with updated packages, rates, and answer any questions you may have concerning your trip.
Conversely, if you’re looking to arrange a chartered flight on your own, the first thing you need to do is to determine your destination, the date and time of your trip, and the number of passengers.
You may then contact your preferred charter plane company and request a quote by submitting an inquiry on the company’s web portal. Representatives from the company will then reach out to you to confirm all the details.
When should I book my chartered flight?
As the World Cup has been running, now is perhaps the best time for you to plan for your Qatar escapade via chartered flights.
With the high demand for flights surrounding the World Cup, you need to take into account peak travel days in planning and booking your chartered flight. However, as a general rule, you should always attempt to book your flights as early as possible to help ensure the availability of aircraft.
