Qatar received its first leisure charter flight from Yerevan, Armenia, on August 29, 2026, at Hamad International Airport (HIA), marking a significant development in the expansion of inbound tourism and diversification of source markets. The flight, operated weekly by FlyOne in partnership with Rustar Tour Operator using an Airbus A320, will continue until May 15, 2027. Over this period, it is projected to bring approximately 6,500 Armenian visitors to Qatar.

This service is the first leisure charter flight to arrive in Qatar since recent disruptions in regional operations, signaling a return to more regular travel activities and renewed confidence in Qatar as a destination among travelers, tourism stakeholders, and the broader aviation community.

To mark the inaugural flight, representatives from Visit Qatar and HIA organized a special welcome reception for arriving passengers. Upon landing, guests were greeted with traditional Arabic coffee and dates, and the celebration included the display of both Qatari and Armenian flags. Passengers also received gift bags from Visit Qatar, highlighting the country's hospitality.

Officials emphasized that the launch of this charter programme underscores Qatar’s status as a safe and world-class destination supported by a fully functional tourism, hospitality, and aviation infrastructure. The ongoing collaboration among airlines, travel trade partners, and hospitality providers aims to ensure smooth and seamless experiences for visitors.

In addition to boosting leisure tourism, the new service is expected to strengthen tourism ties between Qatar and Armenia. It may also serve as a foundation for expanding future charter flights or potentially establishing scheduled air connectivity between the two destinations.

Overall, the introduction of the Yerevan-Doha charter flight demonstrates Qatar’s readiness to welcome international visitors and reinforces the country's position as a leading leisure tourism hub in the region.