12 October 2022: Football fever has hit Smart Aviation HQ! As the leaders in global sports chartering, our extensive schedule of charter flights to FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ has already kicked off. World Cup 2022 takes place in Qatar from Sunday, 20 November to Sunday, 18th December, when over 1.2 million football fans will flock to Doha to see 32 teams compete in eight groups.

If you are still looking to book a personal or corporate trip to attend a game in one of the eight stadiums, then this guide gives you all the important information you’ll need to know.

Did you know that this World Cup will be the first time in the history of FIFA where all the matches are played in one city? This means that fans are able to watch more than one match in a day. 

The group games will take place across eight stadiums: Al Bayt Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, Al Thumama Stadium, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Lusail Stadium, Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, Education City Stadium, Al Janoub Stadium.

Here’s all you need to know: 

Enter for tickets…NOW!

There are still tickets up for grabs and the Last Minute Sales Phase is now open. During this phase, tickets are allocated on a first come served basis and are purchased as a real-time transaction, subject to availability. If you’re successful, your tickets will be confirmed immediately. International Fans and Residents of Qatar can enter the ticket ballot here. 

Book your hotel… in Dubai.

Yes, stay in Dubai. We’re being serious. If you want to combine attending a match with a holiday or don’t want to be in the midst of the football madness for too long, then you can base yourself in Dubai and book a return day trip to Doha with Fly Dubai. There are over forty daily flights to Doha from Dubai and they are put on just for World Cup ticket holders. Return economy fares for adults and children start from $258 USD (approx £229). For more information on Fly Dubai’s Match Day Shuttles, click here. 

“Hayya mate! Have you got your FAN ID card?”

It is compulsory for all local and international football fans to apply for the Hayya Card before they travel. The digital card, known also as a Fan ID card, is a document issued by FIFA but operated by the government of the State of Qatar. This Hayya replaces an entry visa but is only valid for the duration of the tournament. FIFA is not responsible for its application, process, issuance and/or use ). Everyone attending a match MUST have a Hayya. What’s more, the ID card and match ticket must be shown together before fans are allowed to enter the stadium. You can apply for a Hayya once you have your accommodation booked (you cannot do it before this) and it will take about seven business days for approval. Apply for your Hayya here. 

There’s also a handy Hayya to Qatar 2022 APP where you can safely log your QR code and manage your Hayya. The APP offers the ‘ultimate fan experience’ and provides useless information on getting around the city, key attractions and booking accommodation. Download from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Let Smart Take Care of the Rest 

Whether you want to charter an aircraft directly to Doha or a private jet to Dubai, Smart Aviation can take care of all flight requirements. Our comprehensive network of DMC partners in both Dubai and Doha, means we can also take care of all ground arrangements too including VIP transfers.

Mark Hawkins, Smart Aviation’s Managing Director said: “Sport is in our DNA and has been since I founded Smart over 17 years ago. The last few years have been tough on football fans so we feel this tournament means more than ever. We are looking forward to transporting fans from across the world to Doha this winter”.

Smart Aviation was founded in 2005 by Managing Director Mark Hawkins, an established sports charter specialist with almost 30 years’ experience in senior operational roles within the travel and aviation industry. Previously Hawkins managed sports charters at Excel Airways, which included flying over 4,000 fans to a football final. 

Smart Aviation’s comprehensive charter service frequently provides air travel for global sports teams to key sporting fixtures including Champions League and Premier League football matches, as well as to ice-hockey, boxing, basketball, golf, motorsport and cricket tournaments.

Why choose Smart?

Our business revolves around you

– Exactly what you need

– You’re dealing with the experts. Our goal is excellence in service and execution – our extensive knowledge and expertise ensure we deliver.

Cost effective with no compromise

– Our unrivaled operator relationships and leverage in the European market ensures you get the most cost-effective solution, without compromising on quality.

We are always available

– Our operational support team is on-hand 24/7, 365 days a year, to deal with the unexpected and keep you flying – for total peace of mind.

Call or email us today – sales@smart-aviation.co.uk / + 44 1293 551244