History of Qatar Airways in Timeline
Qatar Airways is the state-owned flag carrier of Qatar, established in 1993 and headquartered in Doha. It operates a hub-and-spoke network from Hamad International Airport, serving 170 international destinations with a fleet of over 200 aircraft. A member of the Oneworld alliance since 2013, Qatar Airways employs over 43,000 people and its slogan is 'Going Places Together'. The company has faced controversies related to employee treatment and allegations of bribery.
November 22, 1993: Qatar Airways Established
On November 22, 1993, Qatar Airways was established by the government of Qatar.
1993: Establishment of Qatar Airways
In 1993, Qatar Airways was established by the government of Qatar.
January 20, 1994: Start of operations
On January 20, 1994, Qatar Airways began operations.
May 1994: First Destination
In May 1994, Amman became Qatar Airways' first destination.
April 1995: Staff and Fleet Expansion
In April 1995, CEO Sheikh Hamad Bin Ali Bin Jabor Al Thani employed a staff of 75 and the fleet included two Airbus A310s.
November 1996: Akbar Al Baker became CEO of Qatar Airways
In November 1996, Akbar Al Baker became the CEO of Qatar Airways.
1996: Akbar Al Baker Becomes Qatar Airways' CEO
In 1996, Akbar Al Baker began his tenure as the CEO of Qatar Airways.
September 1997: Route Network Changes
In September 1997, Qatar Airways removed Muscat from its route network.
February 1999: First A320 Delivery
In February 1999, Qatar Airways took delivery of the first A320 powered by Aero Engines V2500 on lease from SALE.
April 2000: Addition to the fleet
In April 2000, A fourth A300-600R on lease from AWAS joined the fleet.
2001: Airbus A320 order
Deliveries of six Airbus A320s placed in July 1998 were scheduled between 2001 and 2005.
May 2002: Withdrawal from Gulf Air
In May 2002, Qatar became the first of three countries to withdraw from Gulf Air, though it remained a member for six months after the government announced complete termination.
March 2004: First Profit
In March 2004, The Qatar Airways Group reported its first profit ever for the fiscal year (FY) and transported 3.35 million passengers.
July 2004: 53rd Destination
In July 2004, Zürich became the carrier's 53rd destination worldwide.
2004: First Aircraft Delivery
In 2004, the first aircraft were scheduled to enter the fleet.
March 2005: Service to Osaka
In March 2005, Qatar Airways launched a new service to Osaka.
2005: Airbus A320 order
Deliveries of six Airbus A320s placed in July 1998 were scheduled between 2001 and 2005.
September 8, 2006: First A340 Delivery
On September 8, 2006, Qatar Airways' first A340 was delivered.
2006: Unveiling of new branding
In 2006, Qatar Airways unveiled its new branding, featuring an oryx (the national animal of Qatar) as its logo and burgundy-colored lettering on a light grey background.
2006: A340-600 Delivery
In 2006, the A340-600 was slated for delivery to Qatar Airways.
November 2007: Order for Boeing Aircraft
In November 2007, Qatar Airways confirmed a firm order for 30 Boeing 787-8s, plus options for 35 more aircraft of the –9 or –10 variant. The order also included 14 Boeing 777-300ERs, six Boeing 777-200LRs and seven Boeing 777Fs, whereas five more aircraft of the type were on option.
November 2008: Service to New York-JFK
In November 2008, A new scheduled service to New York-JFK that commenced replaced the Newark route.
February 2009: Delivery of Boeing 777-200LRs
In February 2009, The first two Boeing 777-200LRs were handed over by the aircraft manufacturer.
June 2009: Launch of cargo flights to Cairo International Airport
In June 2009, Qatar Airways Cargo launched dedicated cargo flights to Cairo International Airport complementing the passenger services already operated.
October 12, 2009: First commercial passenger flight powered by natural gas fuel
On October 12, 2009, Qatar Airways completed the world's first commercial passenger flight powered by a fuel made from natural gas.
2009: Plans to lower the age of its fleet
In 2009, CEO Akbar Al Baker stated the removal from service of older planes to lower the age of its fleet as well as its ineffectiveness compared to the Boeing 777.
2011: Launch of Benghazi and Entebbe services
In 2011, Qatar Airways launched services to Benghazi and Entebbe.
January 2012: Qatar Airways Opens Lounge at London Heathrow
In January 2012, Qatar Airways opened its first lounge outside of Doha at Terminal 4 of London Heathrow Airport.
February 1, 2012: Service to Baku and Tbilisi
Due to operational issues, the service to Baku and Tbilisi, originally planned for 2011, was delayed until February 1, 2012.
October 8, 2012: Oneworld Announcement
On October 8, 2012, Qatar Airways announced it would join Oneworld within the forthcoming 18 months, mentored by British Airways.
November 12, 2012: Acquisition of Dreamliner
On November 12, 2012, Qatar Airways became the seventh carrier worldwide to acquire the Dreamliner. It was also the first delivered to a Middle Eastern airline.
2012: Expansion of network with fourteen new destinations
In 2012, Qatar Airways expanded its network by adding fourteen more destinations: Addis Ababa, Baghdad, Belgrade, Erbil, Gassim, Kigali, Kilimanjaro, Maputo, Mombasa, Perth, Saint Petersburg, Warsaw, Yangon, and Zagreb.
March 13, 2013: Delivery of first A330F
On March 13, 2013, Qatar Airways Cargo first of three A330F was delivered provided on lease from BOC aviation replacing A300-600F.
June 2013: Full State Ownership
In June 2013, following the assumption of power by emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar Airways became fully state-owned.
July 2013: Government becomes sole controller of Qatar Airways
In July 2013, the government fully controlled Qatar Airways, following the buyout of a 50% stake from former prime minister Hamad bin Jassin Al Thani and other shareholders.
September 2013: Services to Ethiopia
In September 2013, Qatar Airways' services to Ethiopia began.
October 2013: Qatar Airways joins Oneworld Alliance
In October 2013, Qatar Airways became a member of the Oneworld alliance.
October 29, 2013: Joining Oneworld
On October 29, 2013, the joining ceremony of Qatar Airways in the Oneworld alliance took place.
2013: Qatar Airways Joins Oneworld Alliance
In 2013, Qatar Airways became a member of the Oneworld alliance.
2013: Initial A350 Delivery Date
The first Airbus A350 XWB aircraft was initially slated for delivery in 2013.
May 27, 2014: Official transfer of operations to Hamad International Airport
On May 27, 2014, Qatar Airways officially transferred its operations to its new hub, Hamad International Airport, replacing Doha International Airport.
June 2014: Expected Delivery of Airbus A380
In June 2014, the carrier expected to take delivery of its first three Airbus A380 aircraft, with plans for the aircraft to be displayed at the Farnborough Air Show.
August 1, 2014: A380 Services to London Delayed
The start of Airbus A380 services to London was delayed to August 1, 2014.
September 2014: Planned launch of Al Maha Airways
Al Maha Airways was a proposed airline to serve the Saudi Arabian market. It was planned to launch in September 2014.
September 16, 2014: First A380 Delivery
Delivery of the first Airbus A380 aircraft finally took place on September 16, 2014.
October 2014: A380 Services to London Commenced
In October 2014, Qatar Airways A380 services to London commenced.
December 2014: Qatar Airways served 146 points worldwide
As of December 2014, Qatar Airways served 146 points worldwide following the launch of flights to Asmara.
2014: Report on Qatar Airways Employee Treatment Published
In 2014, the Swedish newspaper Expressen published a report alleging that Qatar Airways employees' lives were heavily monitored and controlled. Qatar Airways denied the claims through its Swedish PR agency and the CEO.
2014: Farnborough Air Show
In 2014, the commitment to purchase 50 Boeing 777-9Xs was firmed up during the Farnborough Air Show in a deal worth US$18.9 billion; purchase rights for another 50 aircraft of the type were also taken. In addition, the transaction included firm orders for four Boeing 777Fs plus options for another four with a combined value of US$2.7 billion.
March 18, 2015: Announcement of Freighter service to Los Angeles
On March 18, 2015, Qatar Airways Cargo announced that starting April 4, 2015, will launch a twice-weekly Boeing 777 Freighter service to Los Angeles which will become Qatar Airways Cargo's fourth US freighter destination alongside Houston, Chicago and Atlanta.
April 4, 2015: Launch of Freighter service to Los Angeles
On April 4, 2015, Qatar Airways Cargo launched a twice-weekly Boeing 777 Freighter service to Los Angeles which will become Qatar Airways Cargo's fourth US freighter destination alongside Houston, Chicago and Atlanta.
May 2015: Delivery of Airbus A320 aircraft for Al Maha Airways
By May 2015, Al Maha Airways had already taken delivery of 4 Airbus A320 aircraft.
June 2015: Launch of service to Amsterdam
August 2015: Policy Change for Cabin Crew
In August 2015, Qatar Airways was forced to relax its policy of sacking cabin crew for getting pregnant or marrying in their first five years of employment. Under the new regulations, "we will provide an opportunity for someone to continue working in a ground position", the spokeswoman said.
December 2015: Announcement of service to Durban
Starting December 2015, it was announced that Qatar Airways would serve Durban.
2015: Hololei travelled business class at no cost from 2015 to 2021
From 2015, Henrik Hololei travelled business class at no cost nine times up to 2021
2015: Qatar Airways Opens Al Safwa First Lounge
In 2015, Qatar Airways inaugurated the Al Safwa First Lounge for its first-class passengers.
2015: Qatar Airways Threatens to Leave Oneworld
In 2015, Qatar Airways threatened to leave the Oneworld alliance, citing its relationship with American Airlines and Qantas, but did not follow through.
2015: Company Slogan
In 2015, Qatar Airways' official company slogan became "Going Places Together".
2015: Qatar Airways purchased 9.99% of the International Airlines Group
In 2015, the Qatar Airways purchased 9.99% of the International Airlines Group.
July 2016: U.S. Department of State held talks with Qatar government officials regarding allegations of unfair competition
In July 2016, the U.S. Department of State engaged in discussions with Qatari government officials regarding allegations of unfair competition, stemming from claims by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines that Qatar Airways had received over $7 billion in aid from the Qatari government.
December 27, 2016: Announcement of freighter operations to new destinations in the Americas
On December 27, 2016, Qatar Airways Cargo announced that it will launch freighter operations to four new destinations in the Americas. Boeing 777 freighters will fly twice a week to the South American cities of Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Quito and the North American city of Miami starting February 2, 2017.
January 2017: Qatar Airways Opens New Premium Lounge at Charles de Gaulle Airport
In January 2017, Qatar Airways opened its new premium lounge at Terminal 1 of Charles de Gaulle Airport, marking its third international lounge.
February 2, 2017: Launch of freighter operations to new destinations in the Americas
On February 2, 2017, Qatar Airways Cargo launched freighter operations to four new destinations in the Americas. Boeing 777 freighters will fly twice a week to the South American cities of Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Quito and the North American city of Miami.
February 5, 2017: Longest regularly scheduled flight
As of February 5, 2017, Qatar Airways operated the longest regularly scheduled commercial flight, connecting Doha and Auckland.
February 2017: Cancellation of Al Maha Airways project
In February 2017, Qatar Airways announced that the Al Maha Airways project had been cancelled and the airline would not start operations due to ongoing issues gaining its operational license and the Qatar diplomatic crisis.
March 2017: Qatar Airways Reveals New Business Class Cabin "Qsuite"
In March 2017, Qatar Airways unveiled its new business class cabin, called "Qsuite," featuring suites with doors in a 1-2-1 configuration. The Qsuite includes single seats by the windows and middle section suites that can be converted into a quad room. Select "couple" seat pairs in the middle can also be converted into a double bed. The Qsuite was launched on new Boeing 777-300ER and A350 XWB aircraft and first introduced on the Doha to London Heathrow route.
July 2017: Al Baker's Remarks on Cabin Crew Age and "Crap American Carriers"
In July 2017, Akbar Al Baker made controversial remarks about the age of Qatar Airways' cabin crew and disparaging comments about "crap American carriers," leading to criticism from the US Association of Flight Attendants (AFA).
September 1, 2017: Qatar Airways bought 49% of AQA Holding, the new shareholder of Meridiana
On September 1, 2017, Qatar Airways acquired a 49% stake in AQA Holding, the new shareholder of Meridiana.
2017: Dispute with American Airlines Begins
In 2017, Qatar Airways engaged in a dispute with American Airlines which lasted until 2020.
June 2018: Al Baker's Comments on Women Leading Qatar Airways
In June 2018, Akbar Al Baker stated that he did not believe a woman could lead Qatar Airways, later apologizing but not recanting his belief that the position was too challenging for a woman.
December 2018: CEO threatened to pull company out of the Oneworld alliance
In December 2018, the CEO of Qatar Airways, Akbar Al Baker, threatened to pull the company out of the Oneworld alliance in February, following accusations that alliance members Qantas and American Airlines engaged in "hostile business practices" against his carrier.
2018: Dispute with Qantas Begins
In 2018, Qatar Airways began a dispute with Qantas, which continues to this date.
June 18, 2019: Launch of flight to Davao, Philippines
On June 18, 2019, Qatar Airways launched its first flight from Doha to Davao, Philippines.
August 2019: Introduction of flights to Langkawi
In August 2019, Qatar Airways introduced flights to Langkawi, as a part of its expansion plans in Southeast Asia. The route is Qatar Airways' third destination in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
December 2019: Purchase of stake in Bugesera International Airport
In December 2019, Qatar Airways purchased a 60% stake in Rwanda's new $1.3 billion international airport, Bugesera International Airport.
December 24, 2019: Marc Bennett Found Dead in Doha Hotel Room
On December 24, 2019, Marc Bennett, a British travel industry executive, was found hanged in his hotel room in Doha after resigning from Qatar Airways.
2019: Qatar Airways Threatens to Leave Oneworld
In 2019, Qatar Airways threatened to leave the Oneworld alliance, citing its relationship with American Airlines and Qantas, but did not follow through.
February 2020: 25.1% of the shares of International Airlines Group
As of February 2020, Qatar Airways held 25.1% of the shares of the International Airlines Group.
February 2020: Acquisition of stake in RwandAir
In February 2020, Qatar Airways acquired a 49% stake in Rwanda's flag carrier airline RwandAir.
February 2020: Largest shareholder in International Airlines Group (IAG)
Qatar Airways is as of February 2020 the largest shareholder in International Airlines Group (IAG) with 25.1% of the shares.
September 2020: Suspension of flights to Birmingham Airport and Cardiff Airport
In September 2020, Qatar Airways suspended flights to both Birmingham Airport and Cardiff Airport due to low demand because of COVID-19 travel restrictions.
October 2, 2020: Australian Passengers Subjected to Search at Doha Airport
On October 2, 2020, thirteen Australian female passengers on a Qatar Airways flight to Sydney were forced to deplane at gunpoint in Doha and were subjected to invasive internal examinations after a newborn baby was found in an airport bathroom. This incident sparked a diplomatic conflict between Australia and Qatar.
2020: Boeing 777-9X Deliveries
Deliveries of the Boeing 777-9X passenger aircraft are expected to start in 2020.
2020: Qatari Officials Issue Apology for Incident
In 2020, following the incident involving Australian women at Hamad International Airport, Qatari officials expressed their disapproval and issued an apology.
2020: Dispute with American Airlines Ends
In 2020, the dispute between Qatar Airways and American Airlines ended.
2020: Mention of the October 2, 2020 Incident
In 2020, there was the incident in which Australian female passengers on a Qatar Airways flight to Sydney were forced to deplane at gunpoint in Doha and were subjected to invasive internal examinations after a newborn baby was found in an airport bathroom.
January 2021: Airspace dispute settlement
In January 2021, the embargo was lifted and Qatar Airways was again able to fly to countries such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain and use their respective airspace.
January 2021: Flight ban lifted
In January 2021, the embargo was lifted and Qatar Airways was again able to fly to countries such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain and use their respective airspace.
January 25, 2021: Qatar Airways network spreads across 120 destinations
As of January 25, 2021, Qatar Airways' network spreads across 120 destinations after the settlement of Qatar's airspace dispute with neighbouring Gulf countries. The carrier plans to expand its network to reach 130 routes by March 2021.
March 2021: Plans to expand network to 130 routes
As of January 25, 2021, Qatar Airways plans to expand its network to reach 130 routes by March 2021.
March 28, 2021: Scheduled restart of flights to Birmingham and Cardiff
Flights to Birmingham Airport and Cardiff Airport were scheduled to restart on March 28, 2021; however, the flight to Birmingham was only restarted on the July 6, 2023, and the flight to Cardiff never restarted.
July 24, 2021: Qatar Airways Resumes Service to Cebu
On July 24, 2021, Qatar Airways resumed its flights to Cebu after an eight-year hiatus. Cebu became Qatar Airways' third destination in the Philippines.
2021: Hololei travelled business class at no cost from 2015 to 2021
Up to 2021, Henrik Hololei travelled business class at no cost nine times from 2015
September 29, 2022: The Times Publishes Article About Marc Bennett's Death
On September 29, 2022, The Times published an article about the death of British travel industry executive Marc Bennett in Qatar.
December 2022: European Parliament Suspends Qatar's Access
In December 2022, the European Parliament suspended Qatar's access following allegations of Qatari representatives offering bribes to influence decisions, including an air transit agreement, leading to arrests.
2022: Qatar Airways Almost Kicks Qantas out of Oneworld
In 2022, Qatar Airways reportedly almost succeeded in removing Qantas from the Oneworld alliance, but was blocked by American Airlines.
March 2023: Qatar Airways Group employs more than 48,000 people
As of March 2023, the Qatar Airways Group employed more than 48,000 people, of whom 32,000 worked directly for the airline.
July 6, 2023: Restart of flights to Birmingham Airport
Flights to Birmingham Airport restarted on July 6, 2023, after being suspended in September 2020 due to low demand because of COVID-19 travel restrictions. Flights to Cardiff never restarted.
July 2023: Australian Government Rejects Qatar Airways Capacity Request
In July 2023, the Australian Government rejected Qatar Airways' request to double capacity into major Australian cities, citing the 2020 incident as a contributing factor.
July 2023: Australian Government blocked Qatar Airways expansion plan
In July 2023, the Government of Australia blocked an expansion plan from Qatar Airways that would have seen the carrier double its flights to Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. The government intervention was supported by Australian flag-carrier and rival airline Qantas, who argued that Qatar's flights would "distort the market".
September 2023: Qatar Airways' VP Addresses 2020 Incident as Isolated
In September 2023, Qatar Airways' senior vice president of global sales, Matt Raos, stated that the 2020 incident was "a one-off and an isolated incident" during an Australian Senate inquiry.
November 5, 2023: Akbar Al Baker stepped down
On November 5, 2023, Akbar Al Baker stepped down as the CEO of Qatar Airways. Al Baker served as the CEO of Qatar Airways from November 1996 to November 2023.
November 2023: Badr Mohammed Al-Meer new CEO
As of November 2023, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer is the CEO of Qatar Airways. Al-Meer succeeded longtime CEO Akbar Al Baker, who stepped down on November 5, 2023.
2023: Akbar Al Baker's Tenure as CEO Ends
In 2023, Akbar Al Baker's tenure as the CEO of Qatar Airways came to an end. During his time as CEO, he made public remarks that were considered sexist.
March 2024: AI cabin crew Sama 2.0 announced
In March 2024, Qatar Airways announced Sama 2.0, an "AI cabin crew."
August 2024: Acquisition of shareholding in Airlink
In August 2024, Qatar Airways acquired a 25% shareholding in Airlink.
November 2024: EPPO Initiates Investigation into Henrik Hololei
In November 2024, the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) began a criminal investigation into Henrik Hololei for allegedly accepting free flights from Qatar Airways while negotiating an Open Skies deal.
January 7, 2025: Qatar Airways Resumes Flights to Damascus
On January 7, 2025, Qatar Airways restarted its three weekly flights to Damascus after a 13-year suspension due to eased tensions in Syria.
February 2025: Approval of Virgin Australia Holdings sale
In February 2025 the Australian Government approved the sale of 25% of Virgin Australia Holdings, allowing for Virgin to start flights to Doha from Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
March 2025: Commission decides to move to full disciplinary proceedings against Henrik Hololei
In March 2025 the Commission decided to move from pre-disciplinary to full disciplinary proceedings against Henrik Hololei
March 2025: Qatar Airways Expands Services to Meet Summer Travel Surge
In March 2025, Qatar Airways announced an expansion of services by increasing flights to 11 global destinations to accommodate the expected summer travel surge. Flights to London Heathrow will increase to eight daily, Male to 28 weekly, Miami to twelve weekly, and Tokyo to eleven weekly.
November 2025: Launch of sports-related initiatives
In November 2025, Qatar Airways announced new global sports-related initiatives, including the launch of the “Qatar Airways United” youth development programme in partnership with former footballer Rio Ferdinand and a female-empowerment programme in collaboration with the BWT Alpine Formula One Team.
2025: Court Reverses Decision, Allows Case Against Qatar Airways
In 2025, the full bench of the Federal Court reversed the April 2024 decision, allowing the case against Qatar Airways and Matar (the entity running Hamad International Airport) to proceed.
January 2026: Hololei Fired from European Commission
In January 2026, Henrik Hololei was fired from the European Commission after being found to have breached the institution's rules.
February 2026: Henrik Hololei Fired; EU-Qatar Air Transport Agreement Challenged
In February 2026, the European Commission's former transport head, Henrik Hololei, was fired for rules violations related to gifts from Doha, including Qatar Airways. Airlines and unions then petitioned the EU to suspend the EU-Qatar air transport agreement.
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