Fast train to link Riyadh and Doha

The Middle East, already home to several of the world's top airlines, is now moving into the fast train sector. 

Saudi Arabia and Qatar are moving ahead with an ambitious plan that will slash travel time between their capitals to about two hours, a statement carried by official Saudi media and reported by Travel Mole reveals. 

The project, billed as a major step toward deeper regional cooperation and sustainable development, will create a new 785-kilometre rail corridor linking Riyadh and Doha, passing through major Saudi cities including Al-Hofuf and Dammam.

Along the line, trains would also connect Doha's Hamad International Airport with the planned King Salman International Airport, forming what officials describes “a new backbone for fast, low-carbon mobility across the Gulf“.

Designed for trains to exceed speeds of 300kmh, the service will offer a competitive alternative to air travel. Flights between Riyadh and Doha take roughly 90 minutes. The journey takes over six hours by road. 

Once operational, the rail line is expected to handle more than 10 million passengers annually, bolstering business and leisure travel and giving riders easy access to major attractions in both countries. 

Officials say the project will generate more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs. 

The line will be built over six years to international safety and quality standards, using advanced rail and smart-engineering technologies aimed at cutting emissions and supporting the region’s transition toward cleaner transport.

The agreement was signed in Riyadh by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. 

Qatar Airways delivers a seriously connected travel experience

 
It is always interesting to check out a different airline experience. 

Having sampled Emirates, Etihad and Oman Air, I completed the quadrella with Qatar Airways. 

Qatar Airways has been one of the great aviation success stories.

In just over 30 years it has grown to flying to over 170 international destinations across five continents.

In Australia it flies from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide Brisbane and Perth, and offers connections to global locations like Toronto with just one stop in Doha.

The airline currently operates a fleet of more than 200 aircraft and has a code share agreement with Virgin Australia, meaning Velocity members can earn points and status credits.

Qatar Airways won the ‘World’s Best Airline’ for an unprecedented ninth time at the 2025 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax.

I did four legs in economy class this month and was impressed, despite all four long-haul legs being almost completely full flights.

The meals were good, service from a multi-cultural crew above average and all four legs were either on time or early.

Qatar Airways being a full-service airline you get a pillow, blanket and amenities pack on every leg – but bring noise cancelling headphones as the airline is popular with young families.

Its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport has been named the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ for 11 consecutive years, as well as ‘World’s Best Airport Shopping’ for the third year in a row.

Qatar Airways, founded in 1994, stands out from the crowd for a couple of reasons. It leads the aviation industry on connectivity with free Starlink wifi on 54 of its B777 aircraft and now being progressively rolled out to the Airbus A350 fleet.

Delivering speeds of up to 500 Mbps per aircraft, this is a game-changer for productivity and entertainment. Not only was I able to keep up to date with emails and update my website but I was also able to watch live football matches, including a very entertaining game between Liverpool and Newcastle.

Whether you're in economy or business, Starlink wifi is completely free gate-to-gate.

If you join Qatar Airways Privilege Club, members enjoy several exclusive benefits, including priority standby, Flexi Awards, lounge access and increased baggage allowances.

Members also gain access to enhanced recognition and benefits across the oneworld network.

If you are transiting through Doha, then you should beg, grovel or do whatever it takes to break your journey in the amazing Al Mourjan Lounge - The Garden (above).

Enjoy a full meal, a snack, a drink or two in luxe surroundings. The lounge features 24 quiet rooms, seven spa treatment rooms, a fitness studio and scenic relaxation areas with unrivalled views of  the leafy The Orchard complex below.

Surrounded by popular retailers and restaurants, it can accommodate up to 707 passengers. 

A shower between flights is a welcome luxury.  Then choose between hot and cold buffets, sushi and salads, cocktail and bistro bar offerings, together with à la carte dining

# Qatar Airways flies from Sydney to Toronto with one stop in Doha. See https://www.qatarairways.com/en-au/homepage.html? 

# The writer was given lounge access by Qatar Airways.

From the SCG to Paris or Milan

What sports fan would not love the chance to attend a Paris St Germain or Inter Milan home game?

As the Official International Airline Partner of the Sydney Swans, Qatar Airways is bringing Sydney Swans fans, and sports enthusiasts in general, the opportunity to chance to sit in the grandstands of Europe’s most iconic stadiums.

One lucky competition winner and their guest will be whisked away on an unforgettable journey, travelling in Business Class with Qatar Airways to Europe.

Once there, they’ll take their place in the VIP section at either a Paris Saint-Germain or Inter Milan home match, enjoying premium seating and three nights’ accommodation.

As part of the trip, the winners will also indulge in a two-night luxury stopover in Doha, soaking up the sights, culture, and hospitality of Qatar before returning home.

Fans simply need to complete the official competition entry form and verify their email.

From there, all that’s left to do is keep an eye on their inbox, because their next stop could be Europe. Entries are open until Friday, October 3.

“This partnership celebrates passion for sport on a global scale,” said Tom Harley, CEO of the Sydney Swans.

“From cheering at the SCG to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with fans in Paris or Milan, we’re taking the love of sport to new heights.”

Qatar Airways’ Justin Kestel, regional manager for Australian and New Zealand said: “We’re proud to connect Sydney Swans fans with world-class football experiences, delivering our award-winning service along the way.”

For more information and full terms and conditions of entry, click here.

Hope you don't mind sitting next to a corpse: Qatar Airways fail

There are loud airline passengers; drunks, seat recliners and seat-back kickers.

But being forced to sit next to corpse for several hours is probably even more unpleasant than dealing with those low life types.

An Australian couple said they were ‘traumatised’ after being forced to sit next to the body of a woman who died mid-flight during a trip to Europe.

A woman collapsed in the aisle near to where Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin were sitting in their seats on a Qatar Airways flight - and the woman's body was allegedly placed in an aisle seat next to the couple.

The woman allegedly could not be moved due to her size, the couple said.

Blankets were placed over the dead woman.

When the flight landed in Doha, the couple were asked to remain in their seats while police and a medical crew removed the woman from the plane.

Qatar Airlines said it is ‘in the process of contacting passengers in line with our policies and procedures".

Which makes it a bit bloody slow.

“First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family of the passenger who sadly passed away on board our flight," the airline said.

"We apologise for any inconvenience or distress this incident may have caused.”

Which is just not good enough, is it?

The couple should have had their fares refunded or been upgraded at the very least.

Qatar Airways is owned by the Qatari government and recently entered a partnership agreement with Virgin Australia.

It will need to do a lot better if it doesn't want to alienate Australian passengers. Who are highly likely to speak up about events like this. 

Qatar-Virgin deal set to get go ahead

The airline landscape in Australia is set for a major re-set with the consumer watchdog proposing to grant authorisation to Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways which will allow them to engage in co-operative conduct under an integrated alliance for five years.

Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways are seeking authorisation to engage in an integrated alliance where Virgin Australia, in partnership with Qatar Airways, will commence 28 new weekly return services between Doha and Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Under the proposed arrangements, Virgin Australia would use Qatar Airways’ aircraft and crew to operate the new services. This is known in the aviation industry as ‘wet lease’ arrangements.

The ACCC said today that it considers that the proposed co-operative conduct is likely to result in public benefits and is unlikely to result in any public detriment. 

Which will likely infuriate Virgin competitor Qantas.

"We consider that the proposed co-operative conduct would likely result in several public benefits including providing enhanced products and services for air travellers which would include increased choice of international flights, with additional connectivity, convenience and loyalty program benefits for consumers,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

The new air services are subject to final regulatory approvals by the ACCC and other government bodies. 

The ACCC is now seeking feedback on this draft determination before it makes a final decision.

The ACCC granted interim authorisation to Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways on November 29 to enable them to commence marketing and selling the new Australia-Doha services.

When granting interim authorisation, the ACCC accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from both airlines which ensures that if any of the necessary final regulatory approvals are not granted, then customers who have booked the proposed new services will be given the option of a refund or re-accommodation on a suitable alternative flight at no additional charge and would be compensated for any reasonably foreseeable costs.

A number of interested parties have since raised concerns with the ACCC that the proposed co-operative conduct would circumvent Australian workforce laws and regulations, and that the lack of time limits on the use of Qatar-based crew to operate the new services will have negative implications for the Australian aviation workforce.

“We consider that Virgin Australia is unlikely to commence operating long-haul international services between Australia and the Middle East on a stand-alone basis in the next five years,” Brakey said.

“In those circumstances, we do not consider that there is likely to be a material detrimental impact on the Australian aviation workforce as a result of the conduct.”

Under the proposed arrangements Velocity Frequent Flyer members will continue to be able to earn and redeem Velocity points on Singapore Airlines operated services globally, including to and from Europe, the Middle East and Africa. 

Virgin Australia’s arrangements with South African Airways and Virgin Atlantic would be unchanged. 

The ACCC is seeking submissions in response to the draft determination by March 7 before making its final determination.

Bookings open for Virgin Australia/Qatar Airways partnership flights

Flyers can now book flights that are part of the new partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways that provides opportunities to travel to over 100 destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

As of this week, you can book Virgin Australia's new services to jet directly from Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth to Doha for travel from June 2025, with Melbourne to join the party later in the new year. 

The flights will be operated by Virgin Australia using Qatar Airways' spacious Boeing 777s, including the Qsuite business class. 

The deal replaces Virgin's former alliance with Etihad. 

Key benefits and launch sale offers include fares on sale from Sydney, Brisbane and Perth via Doha to multiple European destinations with fares starting from Perth to Paris in economy return from $1,791. 

Sydney to London economy starts from $1,982 return. 

Frequent flyers can rack up to 20,000 bonus points on business return flights and 10,000 bonus points on economy return flights when booked on an eligible Virgin Australia international long haul flight by January 20, 2025 for travel between June 21 to September 30. 

The Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways partnership, pending final regulatory approval, is being promoted as "delivering increased competition, improved connectivity, and enhanced customer choice".

Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said the new airline partnership is a game-changer. 

“This is a huge win for Australian travellers which brings more value and choice for passengers wanting to fly internationally," she said. 

"Through this partnership Virgin Australia becomes stronger, improving our ability to compete domestically - which is great news for Virgin Australia, our people and consumers.” 

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said that, if approved, the investment will support a collective ambition between the two airlines to deliver the best service and value to Australian customers.

“We are proud to support Virgin Australia with their ambition to return to long-haul international flying, a crucial next step in their successful transformation program,” he said.

Qatar deal gets go ahead in boost for Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways have been given the go ahead to start selling 28 weekly return flights between Doha and Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

The Australian consumer watchdog, the ACCC, has granted interim approval to Virgin and Qatar, allowing them to engage in cooperative conduct under an integrated alliance.

The ACCC has also accepted a court enforceable undertaking from Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways in relation to the conduct.

Under the interim authorisation, Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways can commence marketing and tickets.

The new services will be in addition to the international services already operated by Qatar Airways.

The airlines sought urgent interim authorisation to enable Virgin Australia to start flying its new Australia-Doha services from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in June 2025, with Perth services to follow in November 2025.

”We consider that granting interim authorisation now will allow Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia the lead time to undertake the necessary planning discussions, marketing, selling and system alignment in preparation for Virgin Australia to commence flying the new services by June 2025,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said

The new services will be offered subject to final regulatory approval by the ACCC and other government bodies.

The undertaking accepted by the ACCC today ensures that if final regulatory approval is ultimately not granted, then customers who have booked these proposed new services would be protected.

“Affected customers will be given the option of a refund or re-accommodation on a suitable alternative flight at no additional charge and would not be out of pocket for any reasonably foreseeable costs if these proposed new services ultimately don’t get approved,” Keogh said.

“Having this court-enforceable undertaking that protects customers was important to our decision to allow Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways to start selling tickets now.”

Under the proposed arrangements, Virgin Australia would use Qatar Airways craft and crew to operate the new services. This is known in the aviation industry as a ‘wetlease’ arrangement.

“We are carefully considering the concerns that interested parties have raised, particularly around the wetlease arrangements and the impact of the proposed exclusivity arrangements between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways,” Keogh said.

Under the proposed arrangements Velocity members will continue to be able to earn and redeem Velocity points on Singapore Airlines’ operated services globally, including to and from Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Virgin Australia’s arrangements with South African Airways and Virgin Atlantic would be unchanged.

Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia have sought authorisation for five years.

The ACCC is expected to release a draft determination in February 2025.

There was no explicit mention made in the ACCC release of granting approval for Qatar Airways' proposed 25% purchase in VA.

British Airways cancels hundreds of flights

British Airways has been forced to cancel hundreds of long-haul flights over the next few months, blaming what it says are engine issues. 

BA says it has been forced to ground several aircraft, news portal Travel Mole reports.

The airline will cut daily flights from London Gatwick to New York JFK over the northern hemisphere winter.

BA blames delays on receiving spare parts and replacement Trent 1000 engines that power its Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

The airline operates a fleet of 40 787s.

Five of its 787s are to be grounded and it says some Boeing 777 planes also need routine maintenance.

“We’ve taken this action because we do not believe the issue will be solved quickly," the airline said in a statement. "We want to offer our customers the certainty they deserve.” 

BA will cut one flight a day from London Heathrow to Doha and postpone the re-start of Kuala Lumpur flights, which were scheduled to resume next month.

Qatar Airways to resume direct flights to Auckland

Qatar Airways has announced plans to resume direct flights between Doha and Auckland, New Zealand.

The new service will commence on September 1 - and will be a daily flight connecting the two cities.

The Auckland flight will be on an Airbus A350-1000 with 46 business class and 281 economy class seats making one-stop access to Europe a breeze.

A key feature will be the Qsuite, available to business class passengers.

Qatar Group CEO Akbar Al Baker said: “The direct Doha to Auckland service augments a number of new routes announced in recent weeks.”

Sales for the route have opened and customers previously booked for travel after September 1 will be re-booked with direct flights replacing tickets via Adelaide to Auckland.

The airline is continuing to rebuild its network to more than 160 destinations worldwide.

How to combine a cruise experience with the World Cup

Heading for the World Cup in Qatar, but struggling to find accommodation?

How about combining a cruise experience with the football?

MSC Cruises has announced that MSC Opera will become a cruise ship hotel in Doha, working in cooperation with Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.

The ship will be berthed ready to welcome visitors in the port from November 19 through to December 19, joining MSC World Europa and MSC Poesia during this period.

This new accommodation opportunity for football fans and visitors to Doha can be booked for a minimum of two nights through MSC Cruises Australia here or by calling the MSC Cruises Contact Centre on 1300 028 502.

MSC Opera is described as offering "elegant comfort and unique hospitality with a variety of lounges and entertainment venues".

It also has a range of restaurants, a spa, gym, swimming pools and whirlpools located throughout the ship’s nine decks.

For more information visit msccruises.com.au

# I have cruised with MSC and found it a pleasurable experience.