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Flights between Qatar and Saudi Arabia resume tomorrow for the first time in nearly 4 years

Jan. 10, 2021
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2 min read
Qatar Airways First DIA-FRA
Flights between Qatar and Saudi Arabia resume tomorrow for the first time in nearly 4 years
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It's been more than three and a half years since a handful of Middle Eastern countries ended diplomatic relations with Qatar, severely impacting the country's flag carrier, Qatar Airways, in the process.

The blockade came along with serious consequences for Doha, the country of Qatar and travelers looking to move around the region — and, now it's over, almost as suddenly as it began.

It's unclear exactly what prompted the countries involved to abruptly change their tune, and with almost immediate effect, but the result spells great news for travelers — in the Middle East and beyond.

Nonstop flights between Qatar and Saudi Arabia resume this week, shaving off many hours of extra travel time. Screenshot courtesy of Great Circle Mapper.

Now, the next phase of the process is about to begin, with the resumption of nonstop flights between Doha (DOH) and a handful of destinations in Saudi Arabia. Previously, while the two countries share a border, traveling between them required at least one connection and many hours of additional flight time.

Beginning tomorrow afternoon, Qatar Airways and Saudia will both resume service, with the former flying from Doha to Riyadh (RUH) at 1:45 p.m. local time, with an Airbus A350-1000, and the latter relaunching service at 4:40 p.m. local time, with an Airbus A320.

Later this week, Qatar Airways will resume service from Doha to Dammam (DMM) and Jeddah (JED), while Saudia will once again offer nonstop flights from Jeddah. Eventually, nonstop service should resume to Bahrain (BAH), Cairo (CAI) and destinations in the UAE, including Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Dubai (DXB), as well.

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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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