When was Qatar Airways founded?
Qatar Airways was established by the government of Qatar on the 22nd of November 1993, with operations beginning on the 20th of January 1994. Amman became the airline's first destination in May 1994.
Questions about Qatar Airways
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who owns Qatar Airways?
Qatar Airways has been 100 percent owned by the government of Qatar since July 2013, when the state bought out the 50 percent stake previously held by former prime minister Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani and other stakeholders.
Who is the CEO of Qatar Airways?
Badr Mohammed Al-Meer is the chief executive of Qatar Airways. He succeeded Akbar Al Baker, who stepped down on the 5th of November 2023 after leading the airline since November 1996.
Why was Qatar Airways criticized over the 2020 Doha Airport incident?
On the 2nd of October 2020, thirteen Australian women aboard a Qatar Airways flight to Sydney were forced to deplane at gunpoint at Hamad International Airport and strip searched against their will. The incident, reportedly prompted by the discovery of a newborn baby in an airport bathroom, triggered a diplomatic dispute and years of litigation.
How big is the Qatar Airways fleet and route network?
Qatar Airways operates a fleet of more than 200 aircraft across 170 international routes from its hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha. The airline flies to over 90 countries on all six inhabited continents.
Why has Qatar Airways been accused of bribery in Europe?
In December 2022 the European Parliament suspended Qatar's access following allegations that Qatari representatives offered bribes to influence an EU air transit agreement, leading to the arrest of MEP Eva Kaili among others. In November 2024 the European Public Prosecutor's Office also opened an investigation into former EU transport chief Henrik Hololei over free flights he allegedly accepted from Qatar Airways, resulting in his dismissal from the European Commission in January 2026.