Qatar’s aviation sector is experiencing a period of remarkable transformation, fueled by record passenger growth, unprecedented financial performance, and a bold commitment to sustainability. Industry experts highlight a combination of factors ranging from digital innovation to strategic global partnerships that are rapidly elevating the country’s standing in the world of aviation.

Qatar Airways has achieved its strongest financial results to date, posting a net profit of QR7.85 billion ($2.15 billion) for the 2024–25 fiscal year, up QR1.7 billion from the previous year. The airline carried more than 40 million passengers, maintaining an impressive 83 percent load factor, and outperforming many leading global carriers. January 2025 alone saw a 27.4 percent increase in year-on-year passenger traffic, reaching 4.5 million travelers and signaling a robust and sustainable recovery.

“The data shows Qatar’s passenger segment is seeing a strong and broadly sustainable recovery in both volumes and yield,” said Khamis Abdullah Alkhelaifi, ICAO Ground Instructor and Aviation Analyst, in an interview with The Peninsula.

Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s leading freight carrier, also reported a sharp rise in volumes in 2025 after a brief dip the previous year. Cargo revenue climbed 17 percent year-on-year, supported by heightened demand in Asia and Europe. In May 2025 alone, mail and freight volumes reached 220,000 tonnes a 4.7 percent increase over the same period last year. The airline’s focus on digitalization and adaptability has helped it maintain its position as a global cargo leader.

In a move that made industry headlines, Qatar Airways placed a historic order for up to 210 Boeing widebody aircraft, including the 777X and 787 Dreamliner, marking the largest such order in Boeing’s history. The airline is also modernizing its single-aisle fleet by pivoting toward the Airbus A321neo, sidelining the Boeing MAX. According to Alkhelaifi, “These orders signal long-term planning focused on fuel efficiency and network growth.”

Qatar Airways is further expanding its global reach through key investments and partnerships. It now owns 25 percent of Virgin Australia, enabling wet-lease operations from four major Australian cities and adding 2.65 million seats annually. New alliances with Philippine Airlines and a planned 49 percent stake in RwandAir are strengthening Qatar’s influence in the Asia-Pacific and African aviation markets. The country has signed bilateral agreements with 178 nations and became the first Gulf nation to secure a comprehensive aviation accord with the European Union.

Sustainability is a central focus for the airline’s future. Qatar Airways has committed to using 10 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by 2030. In the 2023–24 fiscal year, the airline uplifted 3.9 million litres of neat SAF in Amsterdam over 5 percent of the total fuel on that route cutting lifecycle CO2 emissions by 94 percent. Qatar Airways is also part of the World Economic Forum SAF coalition and benefits from Qatar-based carbon offset programs approved under CORSIA.

Despite a drop in global oil prices to $86 per barrel in early 2025, Qatar Airways continues to face high local fuel costs, with fuel accounting for up to 30 percent of total operating expenses. The airline has called for more price support from QatarEnergy to help maintain its competitive edge.

With record passenger numbers, robust cargo growth, historic fleet investments, and ambitious sustainability initiatives, Qatar’s aviation industry is charting a new course on the global stage. As Alkhelaifi notes, the sector’s transformation is powered by “passenger growth, cargo strength, digital innovation, sustainability initiatives, and global partnerships” a combination that is rapidly redefining Qatar’s role in international aviation.

The US Embassy in Bahrain has announced a temporary reduction of its on-site staff, shifting a portion of employees to remote work in response to heightened regional tensions. The embassy stated on June 23 that it remains open and continues to provide both routine and emergency consular services, but warned that visitors may experience longer wait times due to the reduced on-site presence.

This decision follows a wave of precautionary measures across the Middle East after a recent escalation involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

The move in Bahrain is part of a broader US strategy to safeguard its personnel in the region. The State Department has also ordered the departure of all nonessential staff from the US Embassy in Baghdad and authorized the voluntary departure of nonessential personnel and their families from embassies in Bahrain and Kuwait.

These departures are being facilitated at government expense and with official support. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has further authorized the voluntary departure of military dependents from various locations in the region, with US Central Command closely monitoring the evolving situation.

The recent surge in tensions is linked to stalled negotiations between the US and Iran over Tehran's nuclear program, which has led to increased concerns about regional security and the safety of American diplomatic and military personnel. President Donald Trump commented on the situation, stating, "They are being moved out, because it could be a dangerous place, and we'll see what happens. We've given notice to move out, and we'll see what happens".

Despite the reduction in staff, US officials have emphasized that the embassy in Manama is not being evacuated and will maintain its operations, underscoring a continued commitment to diplomatic engagement and consular support in Bahrain during this period of uncertainty

Hamad International Airport (HIA) has issued a crucial advisory urging passengers to refrain from traveling to the airport unless absolutely necessary, emphasizing the importance of verifying flight statuses ahead of departure. Authorities are working in coordination with airlines and governmental agencies to manage ongoing airspace disruptions and assist affected travelers .

The directive follows Qatar's temporary suspension of air traffic in response to regional tensions. Following Iran's missile launches—targeting U.S. facilities in Iraq and specifically the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar—airspace over Iran, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, and Bahrain has been closed, prompting widespread rerouting and cancellations

Several flights initially bound for Doha have been rerouted mid-air, including a Qatar Airways Boeing 787–9 that diverted to Istanbul after departing Edinburgh. Approximately 100 flights destined for Doha were affected by the airspace closure, and numerous major carriers—including Singapore Airlines, Air France, British Airways, and Finnair—have halted flights to the region until at least June 30.

On the airport’s official travel alert page, HIA reiterated: “We advise passengers to get in touch with their respective airlines regarding their flights… refrain from coming to the airport before checking the status of their flights. Further updates will be provided.”

What this means for travelers:

Flight verification: All passengers are strongly encouraged to confirm departure and arrival status directly with their airline via apps, websites, or official hotlines.

Avoid airport crowding: With unpredictable schedules, coming to the terminal prematurely could lead to unnecessary congestion and inconvenience.

Prepare for disruptions: Even if your flight has not yet been cancelled or rerouted, expect possible delays due to longer flight paths avoiding closed airspace, which also increase fuel costs and travel time

Jazeera Airways has announced the immediate suspension and delay of all its flights after the closure of Kuwait’s airspace. The airline stated that the safety of its passengers and crew remains its top priority, and the suspension will remain in effect until further notice.

Passengers scheduled to travel to or from Kuwait have been advised not to go to the airport unless they receive specific instructions from the airline. Jazeera Airways also warned that several other routes may experience disruptions due to the airspace closure.

The airline is closely monitoring the situation and has pledged to notify affected passengers of any schedule changes. Travelers are encouraged to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

For the latest updates, passengers are urged to visit the Travel Alerts page on the Jazeera Airways website (www.jazeeraairways.com). Customers needing assistance can contact the airline’s customer service team at 177 (within Kuwait) or +965 2205 4944 (internationally).

Jazeera Airways apologized for the inconvenience and thanked passengers for their understanding during this period of disruption.

In light of the recent closure of air traffic movement in the State of Qatar, Qatar Airways has announced a temporary suspension of its flights. This decision comes amid ongoing airspace restrictions that have impacted numerous airlines operating in the region.

Qatar Airways is actively collaborating with government officials and relevant authorities to assist passengers affected by this disruption. The airline has set up customer support teams to provide guidance and alternative travel options for those with upcoming flights. Passengers are encouraged to check the airline's website for the latest information and updates on their bookings.

Operations will resume as soon as airspace is reopened, but no specific timeline has been provided.

The safety and security of passengers and crew remain the top priority for Qatar Airways. The airline is committed to keeping its customers informed throughout this situation and ensuring their well-being during travel disruptions.

Several Gulf nations suspended air traffic and closed their airspace on Monday after Iran launched missile strikes on U.S. military bases in Qatar and Iraq, an escalation that followed American attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.

Bahrain Halts Flights After Iranian Attack

Bahrain temporarily suspended all air traffic as a precautionary measure following the Iranian missile attack on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in neighboring Qatar. The Civil Aviation Affairs of the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications announced the move “as a precautionary measure in light of recent regional developments,” according to a statement carried by the official Bahrain News Agency. Bahrain, which hosts the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, cited security concerns as the primary reason for the airspace closure.

Kuwait and Qatar Follow Suit

Kuwait also shut its airspace starting Monday and until further notice, citing the deteriorating security situation in the region. The decision, reported by the state news agency Kuna, came shortly after similar closures by Bahrain and Qatar. Kuwait Airways suspended all departing flights in response to the escalating crisis.

Qatar, where the targeted U.S. base is located, announced its own temporary airspace closure. The Qatari foreign ministry said the measure was taken to safeguard residents and travelers amid the heightened tensions, following renewed Iranian warnings of retaliation against the United States.

UAE Closes Airspace Amid Regional Crisis

The United Arab Emirates also closed its airspace, according to flight tracking data and air traffic control audio cited by aviation monitoring services. While UAE authorities have yet to issue an official statement, a government spokesperson confirmed the country is “closely monitoring the ongoing regional developments and is continuously assessing the situation”.

Airlines Reroute Flights as Crisis Unfolds

The widespread airspace closures have led to significant disruptions in regional air traffic, with multiple international airlines canceling or rerouting flights across the Middle East. The closures come amid fears of further escalation after Iran’s armed forces announced what they called “a mighty and successful response” to U.S. actions, launching missiles at American military facilities in Qatar and Iraq.