Why Qatar Airways Is Preparing for ‘Pain’ During World Cup in Its Country
Photo Caption: Qatar Airways is preparing for some short-term "pain" during the FIFA World Cup in Doha. Qatar Airways
Skift Take
Qatar Airways will cut flying, and may lose money, during the World Cup in Doha later this year. But that may not matter as the country seeks to boost its brand with the event.
Large sporting events are often known for their athleticism and big shows of national pride by the host. A successful Olympics or World Cup can go so far as to put a country on the map in terms of global recognition.
But these events are often a different story for airlines. They can be a drag on revenues — potentially even loss makers — as lucrative business travelers, and other non-event related trips, are postponed or ditched completely during these periods.
That's what Qatar Airways is preparing for when its namesake country hosts the Federation Internationale de Football Association’s (FIFA) World Cup later this year, from November 21 to December 18.
"It is a pain that we will have to take, and it is only for a period of 30 days," Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said of the sporting event at the Farnborough Air Show in the UK on Tuesday.
While Al Baker did not go as far as to say the airline would lose money dur
