Qatar Airways is strengthening its presence in Saudi Arabia, showing the airline’s growing importance in the Kingdom’s aviation sector. The airline will now connect 13 Saudi cities, offering passengers more travel options and greater convenience across the region.
Starting 5 January 2026, Qatar Airways will launch a thrice-weekly service to Hail International Airport, operating every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. Departure from Doha is at 14:20, arriving in Hail at 16:30. The return flight leaves Hail at 17:30, arriving in Doha at 19:25.
Moreover, Qatar Airways will increase daily services to Jeddah and Riyadh. Both cities will move from six flights to seven per day. This expansion highlights Qatar Airways’ commitment to connecting all major regions of Saudi Arabia. It also supports growing travel demand within the Kingdom.
The airline’s Group Chief Executive, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said the network growth reflects the trust travelers in Saudi Arabia place in Qatar Airways. Over the past year, the airline connected nearly 2.5 million passengers in the Kingdom to its global network. Consequently, this milestone demonstrates both passenger confidence and operational excellence.
Furthermore, Qatar Airways’ expansion aligns with its wider strategy to improve international connectivity. Recently, the airline confirmed stronger links to the United States, South America, and Australia. It will use a combination of its own aircraft and codeshare partnerships with other airlines. These collaborations include agreements with International Airlines Group carriers Aer Lingus and LEVEL. Additionally, a strategic investment in Virgin Australia allows access to both domestic and international routes.
Experts say these moves strengthen Qatar Airways’ global footprint while providing more options for passengers traveling to and from Saudi Arabia. The airline’s focus on fleet growth, partnerships, and route expansion highlights its ambition to remain a leading Middle Eastern airline.
With this announcement, Qatar Airways ensures Saudi Arabia remains a central hub in its network. While connecting 13 cities, offering multiple daily flights, and building international partnerships, the airline improves accessibility and convenience for travelers throughout the Kingdom.
