New direct charter flights could make Qatar’s beaches, culture and winter sun easier to reach.
- New charter flights will connect Moscow and Yekaterinburg directly with Doha.
- More than 22,000 Russian visitors are expected this winter season.
- Holiday packages will pair flights with resorts and cultural experiences.
- FUN&SUN brings Qatar holidays to more than 600 travel agencies.
Cold mornings can make the idea of warm sand particularly appealing. For Russian travellers planning their winter escape, Qatar winter travel is about to become easier, with dedicated charter flights connecting Moscow and Yekaterinburg directly to Hamad International Airport from October 2026. Sunshine sounds good right now.
The appeal goes beyond simply swapping snow for sea. Qatar’s winter season brings mild temperatures suited to outdoor dining, desert excursions and exploring cultural attractions, making the cooler months particularly useful for travellers who want to spend time outside. Doha becomes the starting point.
For families, couples and travellers looking for a polished break, the new programme will combine direct flights with beachfront hotels and resorts, excursions and cultural experiences. That could turn trip planning into a much simpler conversation, particularly for travellers booking through tour operators rather than building every detail themselves. Less planning, more holiday.
FUN&SUN is making that process even broader through its network of more than 600 partner travel agencies across Russia. The partnership with Visit Qatar will also include digital advertising, travel trade roadshows, B2B training and agency incentives, giving Qatar a stronger presence in the places where winter holiday decisions are being made. Choice matters.
Doha itself offers plenty to fill the days between poolside afternoons. A morning around Souq Waqif can lead into museum visits, while evenings lend themselves to waterfront dining or a drive towards Qatar’s desert landscapes. For travellers arriving through Hamad International Airport, the country’s compact size makes combining several experiences in one trip relatively straightforward.
The numbers behind the new connection are significant too. Visit Qatar and FUN&SUN expect the charter programme to generate more than 22,000 Russian tourist arrivals during the 2026/2027 winter season, with services operating from Moscow and Yekaterinburg. That’s a sizeable new audience for Qatar’s leisure scene.
For UAE travellers watching regional tourism trends from Dubai, the move also highlights how destinations are competing for winter holidaymakers with easier access and packaged experiences. Qatar’s combination of beaches, culture, family entertainment and luxury hospitality gives the new routes plenty to work with. Keep an eye on the winter calendar.
With flights beginning from October, the Qatar and FUN&SUN partnership puts Doha firmly on the Russian winter holiday map. Travellers can watch for the upcoming charter packages and start planning around Qatar’s cooler outdoor season, from beachfront mornings to cultural evenings. The Gulf winter escape just gained another route!
