Visit Qatar and FUN&SUN Sign MOU at ATM Dubai to Launch Direct Charter Flights from Russia from October 2026
Why It MattersThe deal signals growing use of dedicated charter programmes to diversify inbound leisure traffic into Gulf destinations from the Russian and CIS markets.
Visit Qatar and Russian tour operator FUN&SUN have signed a memorandum of understanding at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai to launch a dedicated charter flight programme linking Russian airports directly to Hamad International Airport in Doha from October 2026. Under the agreement, direct charter services will run from Moscow and Yekaterinburg to Doha, with the programme projected to generate more than 22,000 Russian tourist arrivals to Qatar during the 2026/2027 winter season.
The two parties will jointly develop holiday packages combining the direct flights with beachfront hotels and resorts, excursions and cultural experiences for Russian travellers. Alongside the charter programme, Visit Qatar and FUN&SUN will run a co-marketing campaign across Russian markets, including B2B training webinars, retail travel agency incentives, trade roadshows and co-branded digital advertising, supported by FUN&SUN's network of more than 600 partner agencies.
Visit Qatar said the partnership supports its strategy to diversify international source markets, expand direct air connectivity and grow Qatar's share of the premium leisure segment across Russia and the CIS region.
