In recognition of the hard work and dedication of the world’s frontline healthcare workers, Qatar Airways is offering 100,000 free return tickets to the frontline healthcare professionals around the world until next Monday (18 May).
According to the Airline, each country will receive a daily allocation of tickets based on its population size, while the ticket will be allocated at 00:01AM Doha time (5.01AM Singapore time) daily.
The healthcare professionals who are eligible for the complimentary ticket are doctor, medical practitioner, nurse, paramedic, pharmacist, lab technician, and clinical researcher.
To apply for the complimentary ticket, the applicants have to register through qatarairways.com/ThankYouHeroes by submitting a form prior to receiving a unique promotion code, which will be offered on a first come, first served basis.
After receiving the promotion code, each healthcare professional can book up to two complimentary Economy Class return tickets – which is fully flexible for destination and dates changes – on Qatar Airways operated flights to anywhere that the Airline flies to.
The Airline also noted that the tickets must be booked before 26 November with the travel period valid until 10 December 2020.
Furthermore, the successful applicants will also receive a voucher with 35 per cent discount, which is valid until the end of 2020, to be redeemed at Qatar Duty Free outlets at the Airline’s state-of-the-art hub, Hamad International Airport in Doha.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker thanked the healthcare professionals around the world for their commitment and hard work in taking care of the people amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Their heroic display of kindness, dedication, and professionalism has saved hundreds of thousands of lives around the world,” noted Mr Akbar.
“United in dedication, we share our gratitude. Now it is our turn to give something back to those on the healthcare frontline.
“There are no words or gestures that are enough to repay these brave men and women but we hope that our small offer of a complimentary return flight on Qatar Airways will allow them to enjoy a well-deserved holiday, visit family and friends or explore a destination they have always dreamed of, as travel restrictions start to ease,” he added.
As reported by The Straits Times, almost one million applications so far has been received for the 28,000 tickets that were released by Qatar Airways since Tuesday (12 May).
Netizens complain about the ticket application, doubting whether the airline is giving out a valid offer
While many applauded Qatar Airways for its gesture of appreciation towards the frontline workers, many others voiced their frustration on Qatar Airways’ Facebook.
A handful of netizens complained that they cannot sign up for the free ticket as there is always an error when submitting the online form. They even doubted that the airline is genuinely giving out a valid offer, questioning the authenticity of the whole thing.
Besides that, a number of them opined that the offer is useless for the healthcare workers as this is not an appropriate time to travel as the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing.
Despite appreciating the effort of Qatar Airways, a few netizens also hoped that the airline will expand and review the threshold of eligible healthcare workers because many frontline workers from various sectors were excluded from their offer.
