Iran Air, the country’s flag carrier, announced plans to increase its weekly flights to Qatari capital Doha from May 1, to meet the growing demand for flights to Qatar and in line with the government’s policy to expand ties with the neighboring country.
“Iran Air’s newly-purchased Airbus A321 will be used for the new weekly Tehran-Shiraz-Doha flight,” IRNA quoted Ahmad Jafari, the head of Iran Air’s office in Qatar, as saying.
The flag carrier, also known as Homa, currently operates two weekly flights to Doha, i.e. Tehran-Lar-Doha on Mondays and Tehran-Shiraz-Doha on Fridays.
Noting that Iran Air established its office in Doha nearly 50 years ago, Jafari said, “We have been operating two weekly flights to Qatar since past 15 years. All of our flights to the neighboring country were full in the past eight months.”
Demand for flights between the two countries significantly increased after five Arab countries led by Saudi Arabia decided to cut relations with Qatar on June 5, accusing Doha of supporting terrorist groups. The Qatari government has denied the accusation, blasting the blockade as unjustified and a violation of international law.
The rift resulted in the expansion of ties between Iran and Qatar in various fields.
The value of trade between Iran and Qatar hit $275 million in the last fiscal year (March 2017-18), marking a 137% increase compared with the year before. Iran’s exports to the Persian Gulf state reached $248 million to register a 140% growth.
A Qatari delegation who visited Iran earlier this month said Doha plans to invest in the development of southern ports of Iran to boost economic cooperation and increase bilateral trade.
The demand is expected to grow further in the coming months, considering the two countries’ plans for easing visa requirements and their possible cooperation over World Cup 2022.
DT News reported on Saturday that Iranian nationals will be issued visa on arrival by Qatar Airways, quoting a statement issued by Qatar Airways.
A passport valid for six months from the date of arrival, a credit card or QR5000, a return ticket, a confirmed hotel reservation in Qatar are the primary requirements needed for passengers travelling on Qatar Airways, according to the report.
Qatar Airways has also increased the capacity of its flights to Iran.
In November 2017, the airline upgraded its operations to the southern Iranian city. By operating a 260-seater Airbus A330, its capacity increased on this route by 81%, with 464 more seats available per week for those travelling on the highly-popular Doha-Shiraz route.
The flag carrier, also known as Homa, currently operates two weekly flights to Doha, i.e. Tehran-Lar-Doha on Mondays and Tehran-Shiraz-Doha on Fridays.
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