Qatar Airways Introduces New Flights to Hail, Expands Service in Saudi Arabia

Qatar Airways Launches Service to Hail and Expands Saudi Arabia Operations

Starting January 5, 2026, Qatar Airways will inaugurate three weekly flights to Hail, marking its thirteenth city served in Saudi Arabia. This expansion accompanies an increase in daily flights to two major Saudi cities, Jeddah and Riyadh, growing from six to seven each day. These developments were revealed by Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer at the TOURISE Summit 2025 in Riyadh during a panel discussion on tourism growth and influence.

New Route Details and Frequency

The new service to Hail International Airport (HAS) will operate every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. Flights will depart Doha (DOH) at 14:20, arriving in Hail at 16:30, with the return flight leaving Hail at 17:30, landing in Doha by 19:25. This route further strengthens Qatar Airways’ footprint across Saudi Arabia, offering a resilient network of more than 150 weekly flights to thirteen cities within the Kingdom.

Strategic Growth in Saudi Air Connectivity

Qatar Airways’ expansion in Saudi Arabia is part of a broader strategy to enhance regional connectivity, meeting rising passenger demand across business, leisure, and religious travel sectors. The airline’s presence now spans every major region in the Kingdom, with nearly 2.5 million passengers connected in the previous year alone. Increasing daily frequencies to Riyadh and Jeddah underscores a robust network catering to high traffic hubs.

This move also follows other recent operational milestones for Qatar Airways in Saudi Arabia, including the resumption of flights to Abha and the launch of services to The Red Sea, where the carrier became the first international airline to provide such connections to over 170 global destinations through its Doha hub.

Historical Context of Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Growth

Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape has been evolving significantly over recent decades, mirroring the wider Gulf region's transformation into a global travel nexus. By linking multiple cities within Saudi Arabia through international carriers such as Qatar Airways, the country has fostered greater accessibility for both inbound and outbound tourists and business travelers.

Historically, much of Saudi air connectivity was concentrated on a handful of principal gateways, notably Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. However, strategic initiatives by airlines and governments have gradually diversified routes to secondary cities such as Abha, Al-Ahsa, and now Hail. This decentralization is aligned with visions to boost tourism and economic development in less-explored areas.

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to expanding its airports and airline services coincides with broader regional trends where carriers are continuously bolstering fleets and routes. This growth also supports the Kingdom’s effort to attract leisure tourists, pilgrims, and corporate travelers, linking them seamlessly to global markets through hubs like Hamad International Airport.

Forecast for Saudi Aviation and Tourism Outlook

With new routes like Hail entering the network, aviation in Saudi Arabia is on an upward trajectory that can significantly influence tourism flows. Enhanced connectivity often translates into better opportunities for regional tourism development, business expansion, and cultural exchange. It is anticipated that as air services grow, secondary cities will see increased visitor numbers, presenting fresh opportunities for local economies.

The outlook suggests that Saudi Arabia will continue to diversify its air transport infrastructure, likely leading to improved accessibility for global tourists. Given Qatar Airways' reputation and the strategic location of its Doha hub, passengers can expect efficient connections to a vast range of international destinations, further stimulating demand in both the leisure and business segments.

Implications for Marine and Coastal Tourism

While this aviation expansion primarily targets inland and urban centers, it indirectly benefits coastal leisure and sailing activities as well. Improved air transport links can enhance access to marine destinations along the Red Sea coast, famous for sailing, yacht charters, and water sports. Travelers arriving at Jeddah or the newly served Hail can explore marinas and beaches nearby or continue their journey by boat, supporting the region’s aquatic tourism sector.

Summing Up Qatar Airways’ Saudi Service Expansion

• Launch of thrice-weekly flights to Hail International Airport starting January 2026
• Increase of daily flights to Jeddah and Riyadh from six to seven
• Network coverage now includes 13 Saudi cities with over 150 weekly flights
• Connectivity through Doha hub links Saudi Arabia to over 170 global destinations
• Supports business, leisure, and religious travel needs within the Kingdom

Qatar Airways’ continued growth in Saudi Arabia highlights an important trend in regional aviation, where expanding route networks foster closer connections between emerging travel hotspots. The airline’s commitment to service excellence and network breadth makes it a key player in the Middle Eastern aviation market.

For those interested in chartering a yacht or exploring vibrant coastal waters near Saudi Arabia, this increased accessibility means more opportunities to enjoy the sun, sea, and marine activities in the Gulf region. The expanded network can facilitate easy transfers for travelers eager to combine air travel with sailing adventures or boat rentals, enriching their overall experience.

For charter enthusiasts and yacht lovers seeking waterfront destinations with convenient airport access, keeping an eye on evolving flight connections like these is valuable. The synergy between air transport improvements and the availability of marine leisure options continues to fuel tourism growth around marinas and clear waters, offering a perfect blend of land and sea activities.

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