The first Qatar Airways non-stop flight from Doha to Sarajevo touched down yesterday at Sarajevo International Airport, where it was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute. The newly-launched service to the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina will operate a four times-weekly schedule on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, with a flight time of just six hours.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, travelled on board the inaugural flight with the Bosnian and Herzegovinian Ambassador to the State of Qatar, His Excellency Mr. Tarik Sadović, whose support has led to the launch of the scheduled service, and was greeted by Qatar’s Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, His Excellency Mr. Rashid bin Mubarak Al Kuwari; Mr. Armin Kajmaković, Director Sarajevo International Airport and Mayor of Sarajevo, Mr. Abdulah Skaka.
H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “Following the launch of service to three Eastern European capitals this summer, we are excited to be adding Sarajevo as our fourth destination in this region to our global route network. As the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we are confident that this will be a popular and much-anticipated gateway into the country for both business and leisure travellers from across our network. With four weekly flights in service, passengers travelling from Sarajevo are now connected seamlessly to more than 150 destinations, via our state-of-the-art hub in Doha.”
The Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Qatar, H.E. Mr. Tarik Sadović, said: “Following the launch of the Doha to Sarajevo direct flight service, we open a new chapter in relations between two friendly countries: Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This will greatly facilitate our cooperation and initiate development in various areas. We thank the Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for his wise leadership and support. We especially thank and congratulate Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker and his associates for bringing the world’s best airline to Sarajevo.
“We welcome their readiness to promote Bosnia and Herzegovina in Qatar and beyond in key global markets. We congratulate all the domestic decision makers on a job well-done. We are pleased to point out that the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Doha has in its capacity successfully completed this diplomatic task and was a reliable partner during the entire process.”
Director of Sarajevo International Airport, Mr. Armin Kajmaković, added: “It is our pleasure that Qatar Airways, one of the most credible international carriers, which has a fleet of more than 200 of the most sophisticated aircraft that fly to more than 150 destinations all over the world, has recognised Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina as a promising tourist and business destination. Thanks to this scheduled air service to Doha, as one of the biggest hubs in the world, from now on our passengers with only one transfer may reach almost any destination in the world. This air service is especially important for our many citizens working in Qatar.”
In the last four months, Qatar Airways has bolstered its already robust operations in Eastern Europe by expanding its network to include Skopje, Prague, and Kyiv. The airline has served key cities in the region such as Belgrade, Warsaw and Zagreb for many years, and sees the potential for continued growth in this rapidly developing market.
Qatar Airways will operate four times a week to Sarajevo with an Airbus A320 aircraft, which features 12 seats in Business Class and 132 seats in Economy Class. Passengers will be able to enjoy the airline’s superior entertainment system offering countless entertainment options.
Sarajevo, a sophisticated city, captivates tourists with its intriguing juxtaposition of past and present. Visitors can wander through Baščaršija, Sarajevo’s bazaar built during the Ottoman period, or visit the Yellow Fortress, which offers a spectacular view of the city. In winter, Sarajevo’s mountain resorts Bjelašnica and Jahorina offer some of Europe’s best-value skiing.
Qatar Airways Cargo will commence belly service to Sarajevo, supporting local trade growth in the export of agricultural and food products, furniture, garments, textiles and automotive parts, as well as the import of consumer goods and electricals.
Qatar Airways will be adding flights to many more exciting destinations to its network in 2017 and 2018, including Canberra, Australia; Chiang Mai, Thailand; and Cardiff, UK, to name a few.
The national carrier of the State of Qatar is one of the fastest-growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its 20th year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of more than 200 aircraft flying to business and leisure destinations across six continents.