Qatar Airways will restore nonstop flights from Doha to Qassim, Taif, Yanbu and Tabuk through a phased winter programme beginning October 25, 2026.
Each destination will receive two weekly return services, adding eight weekly departures from Doha and eight corresponding flights from Saudi Arabia when the complete schedule becomes operational.
Qassim will return first on October 25, followed by Taif on October 31. The restoration continues after the New Year, with Yanbu flights restarting on January 2, 2027, and Tabuk on January 3.
The four routes will help Qatar Airways increase its Saudi schedule to more than 155 weekly flights during winter. This represents growth of over 10% compared with the airline’s summer programme.
Travellers will gain access to more than 160 destinations through Hamad International Airport. This hub connectivity could support Saudi Arabia’s tourism economy while giving residents of regional cities more international travel choices.
Qassim becomes first restored gateway
Qatar Airways will initially serve Qassim every Sunday from October 25. A second weekly flight will begin operating every Friday from October 30.
Sunday service QR1194 will depart Doha at 8:15 a.m. and arrive in Qassim at 10 a.m. Return flight QR1195 will leave at 11:05 a.m. and reach Doha at 12:40 p.m.
Friday flights will depart Doha at 9:05 a.m. and land at 10:50 a.m. The return service will leave Qassim at 11:50 a.m. and arrive in Doha at 1:25 p.m.
Qassim’s Friday and Sunday schedule could support weekend journeys, business travel and international connections. The region is known for agriculture, heritage, traditional markets and desert landscapes.
Direct Doha access allows residents to avoid making a domestic connection through Riyadh or Jeddah before beginning an international journey.
Taif flights support tourism and pilgrimage travel
Taif services will resume on October 31, operating every Wednesday and Saturday.
Flight QR1206 will depart Doha at 7:35 a.m. and reach Taif at 10 a.m. Return flight QR1207 will leave at 11 a.m. and arrive in Doha at 1:10 p.m.
Taif is known for its elevated landscape, seasonal climate, rose farms and cultural attractions. Its proximity to Makkah also makes its airport relevant to eligible religious travellers.
The route could bring more international visitors through Doha while supporting outbound journeys by residents of western Saudi Arabia.
Hotels, guides and local experience providers may benefit if the flights encourage visitors to explore Taif as a destination rather than treating it only as a regional arrival point.
Yanbu reconnects with Doha in January
Qatar Airways will restore Yanbu flights on January 2, 2027. Services will operate every Wednesday and Saturday.
Flight QR1216 will leave Doha at 7:30 a.m. and arrive in Yanbu at 10:15 a.m. The return flight will depart at 11:20 a.m. and land in Doha at 1:35 p.m.
Yanbu combines industrial, business and leisure demand. The Red Sea city offers waterfront attractions, beaches and access to marine environments while supporting major manufacturing, energy and logistics activity.
This mixed market could help the route attract corporate passengers, residents and leisure visitors. The schedule may also support wider Red Sea itineraries, although travellers must distinguish Yanbu Airport from the separate Red Sea International Airport.
Tabuk strengthens north-western connectivity
Tabuk service will return on January 3, 2027, with flights every Thursday and Sunday.
QR1220 will depart Doha at 7:25 a.m. and reach Tabuk at 10:20 a.m. Return flight QR1221 will leave at 11:20 a.m. and arrive in Doha at 1:45 p.m.
Tabuk is an important gateway to north-western Saudi Arabia, a region experiencing substantial tourism and infrastructure development.
The route could support corporate travel, international tourism and family journeys. However, passengers should select their airport carefully because Tabuk, NEOM Bay and Red Sea International serve different locations and travel requirements.
Saudi aviation growth supports expansion
Saudi airports handled approximately 140.9 million passengers in 2025, an annual increase of 9.6%. International traffic reached around 76 million journeys, while domestic traffic accounted for approximately 65 million.
The country also recorded 123 million domestic and inbound tourists during 2025. Tourism spending reached approximately $81 billion, demonstrating the commercial potential surrounding improved regional connectivity.
Qatar Airways carried more than 2.3 million passengers between Saudi Arabia and its international network during the 12 months preceding the route announcement.
The carrier also increased Riyadh flights from 35 to 49 weekly services in June 2026, giving the Saudi capital seven daily connections with Doha.
Once the four destinations return, Qatar Airways will serve 13 Saudi gateways. Its NEOM service is expected to resume separately during the second half of 2027.
Travellers gain wider global connections
The restored Qatar Airways Saudi routes allow passengers from regional cities to reach international destinations with one transfer in Doha. Inbound travellers can similarly connect through Hamad International Airport and arrive closer to their final Saudi destination.
Passengers should check operating days carefully because each restored route runs only twice weekly. They should also verify local departure times, baggage arrangements and connection requirements before travelling.
Bookings are available through Qatar Airways. The phased restoration strengthens Saudi Arabia’s regional airport network while supporting the Kingdom’s expanding tourism, aviation and visitor-economy ambitions.
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