By Mary Emeka
Qatar Airways will increase its flight operations between Doha and Abuja from four weekly services to daily flights from November, a move expected to strengthen air connectivity and facilitate business and investment between Nigeria and Qatar.
The Qatari Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hail, disclosed this on Tuesday during a visit to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.
Al-Hail said the decision followed strong passenger demand on the Nigerian route, with business-class seats frequently booked months in advance.
He explained that the expanded service would operate with the airline’s Boeing Dreamliner aircraft, adding that Qatar was considering further increasing its Abuja operations to three flights daily to accommodate growing demand and potentially reduce airfares.
The ambassador said improved air connectivity would complement efforts to deepen economic relations between Nigeria and Qatar, particularly in investment, urban development and other areas of mutual interest.
He also highlighted Qatar’s interest in strengthening collaboration with the FCT Administration to promote modern urban planning and the development of smart cities.
According to him, Qatar is willing to share its experience in transport infrastructure, city planning and investment frameworks to support Abuja’s development.
“We have built seamless transport links connecting cities, airports, and regional routes. We want to enhance our vision with the FCT, share technical details, and engineer new ways to build and connect smart cities,” Al-Hail noted.
In his response, Wike welcomed Qatar’s interest in expanding its aviation operations and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The Minister said the FCT Administration was ready to partner with Qatar to accelerate infrastructure development, improve urban planning and attract foreign direct investment to Abuja.
He also disclosed plans to lead a high-powered delegation of FCT officials to Doha to study Qatar’s urban development models, infrastructure and investment strategies for possible application in the Nigerian capital.
”We want to partner with you to see how we can develop new, modern smart cities in Abuja. Qatar has demonstrated immense capacity in hosting international events and executing world-class urban planning.
“We will assemble a delegation to visit Doha to study your city models, infrastructure, and investment frameworks,” the Minister noted, adding that security across the FCT has significantly improved to support large-scale international partnerships”, he said.
Wike assured the Qatari government of the administration’s commitment to creating a secure environment for international investors and resolving administrative or legal challenges affecting diplomatic properties in Abuja.
He specifically directed the FCT General Counsel to review concerns raised by the ambassador over a court notification relating to Qatar’s 8,000-square-metre plot in the Central Business District.
The Minister maintained that the administration would take appropriate action to protect Qatar’s interests in the property.
”Nobody can stop your development. It is the FCT Administration that allocated the land to Qatar, and we appreciate your efforts in securing and fencing it.
“We want to assure you that whatever documents you present, we will take immediate action. We want Qatar and other diplomatic missions to feel secure in developing their properties without hindrance,”the Minister stated”, he said.
Beyond aviation and infrastructure, Al-Hail highlighted the humanitarian contributions of Qatari organisations, including Qatar Charity, Qatar Foundation and the Qatar Fund for Development, in education, healthcare and water supply projects across Nigeria.
Abuja Times reports that the planned expansion of Qatar Airways’ Abuja operations is expected to enhance connections between Nigeria’s capital and Doha, a major international aviation hub, while providing additional travel options for businesspeople, tourists and other passengers.
The post Qatar Airways to Begin Daily Doha-Abuja Flights in November appeared first on Abuja Times.