Flying to Norway: Turkish Airlines vs. Qatar Airways via the Middle East

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Dreaming of Norway? Fly Smart with Middle Eastern Stopovers! ✈️🇳🇴

Your Gateway to Scandinavia: Middle Eastern Transit Flights

So, you're itching to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Norway? Excellent choice! From my research and personal experience, the shortest and most convenient route (with only one stop!) involves a layover in the Middle East. Let's dive in!

Turkish Airlines vs. Qatar Airways: Which is Right for You?

Two major airlines offer this route: Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways. Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:

• ⏰ Flight Duration:

  • Turkish Airlines: Ho Chi Minh City (HCM) -> Istanbul (Turkey): 11 hours. Layover at Istanbul Airport: ~2 hours. Istanbul -> Oslo (Norway): 4 hours.

    Confession time: As someone who struggles to sleep on planes, that 11-hour leg was BRUTAL! 🥲

  • Qatar Airways: HCM -> Doha (Qatar): 5 hours 40 minutes. Layover at Hamad International Airport (Doha): ~2 hours. Doha -> Oslo (Norway): ~7 hours.

    While the total flight time is slightly longer, I found this option much more manageable. Seriously, 7 hours is a breeze compared to 11! 🤪

• 🍴 In-Flight Meals:

  Both airlines are Middle Eastern, but honestly, the meals weren't that different from other airlines. Expect the usual suspects: pasta, stewed meat with rice, beef stew. Pro tip: Pack a small bottle of chili sauce to spice things up and make the meals more palatable! 😌

• 🛃 Airports:

  Istanbul and Doha airports are both HUGE, clean, and super convenient. The security checks for connecting flights are lightning-fast. You can use cash (Euros) and credit cards for purchases – no need to exchange currency! Just a heads-up: airport prices are definitely not cheap! 😅

Other Options? 🤔

During my research, I found other routes like those with stopovers in Singapore (2 stops) or France (1 stop, but the French airport was a nightmare – confusing bus transfers and a serious lack of English!). That's why Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways are my top choices for flying to Europe. Thai Airways is also decent, but the flight from Thailand to Norway can clock in at a whopping 11 hours! 🤪

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