Airlines are increasingly promoting stopover programmes designed to encourage passengers to extend layovers into multi-day stays, transforming what was once seen as inconvenient waiting time into an opportunity to explore new destinations. These initiatives are typically offered by hub carriers, leveraging partnerships with local tourism authorities to attract visitors and boost regional travel.
Stopover programmes provide deals ranging from discounted hotel stays and activities to complimentary accommodation, aiming to entice travelers to leave the airport during lengthy connections. According to Immanuel Debeer, founder of Flight Hacks, the growing popularity of these options reflects a wider recognition that layovers can present valuable travel opportunities, especially on long-haul routes. “Almost always, if you’re flying long-haul, you see a second country for close to zero extra airfare,” Debeer explains, noting that frequent flyers may also benefit by adding stopovers to points bookings at minimal additional cost.
Examples of prominent stopover schemes include TAP Air Portugal’s offering, which allows passengers to enjoy a free stopover in Lisbon or Porto. Travelers can also benefit from a 25 percent discount on domestic flights within Portugal if they wish to explore further. In the first half of 2025, the airline reported 193,000 users participating in its programme, reflecting a 74 percent increase over the previous year.
Turkish Airlines offers a stopover in Istanbul for passengers with layovers between 20 hours and seven days, including free accommodation. Economy passengers receive one night in a four-star hotel, while business travelers are granted two nights in higher-end or boutique hotels, though this is limited to flights originating from select countries.
Qatar Airways provides a range of hotel stay options in Doha for connections lasting between 12 and 96 hours. Prices start as low as $14 per person per night for standard packages, extending up to luxury options at $348 for four nights. United Arab Emirates-based Etihad Airways offers two free hotel nights for travelers stopping over in Abu Dhabi, along with discounts on attractions like Ferrari World and the National Aquarium through complimentary passes.
Emirates Airlines extends free hotel accommodation in Dubai for passengers with layovers between six and 26 hours, provided no alternative connections are available. Passengers in economy, business, or first class can access this offer, and those seeking longer stays can opt for paid stopovers, often enhancing opportunities for shopping and sightseeing.
Singapore Airlines promotes visit options including hotel discounts and a complimentary two-and-a-half-hour guided bus tour featuring landmarks such as Chinatown and Marina Bay Sands. Icelandair, one of the pioneers in stopover programmes, allows up to seven days in Reykjavík without additional airfare and encourages exploration of natural attractions like whale watching, volcanoes, and the Northern Lights—although hotel stays are not included.
These initiatives demonstrate airlines’ efforts to convert layover time into appealing travel experiences, blending convenience with tourism promotion while potentially expanding passenger engagement with their networks.