Qatar Airways back to 90-95% of pre-crisis passenger levels

Qatar Airways has reached between 90% and 95% of its pre-US-Iran crisis passenger levels and is now concentrating on a major expansion plan over the next five years, according to Group Chief Executive Officer Hamad Ali al-Khater. Al-Khater stated that the airline has managed to achieve high seat load factors, demonstrating strong demand for travel across the network.

Since February 28, when the crisis occurred, the company has significantly expanded its destination network, increasing the number of served destinations from around 60 to 160, and passenger traffic across Hamad International Airport has surpassed 140,000 per day. In the coming years, Qatar Airways will receive 138 new aircraft, including A350-1000 and 777-9 models, and will introduce the next generation of its Qsuite cabins next summer.

The focus during this growth phase will be on the new fleet, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing the passenger experience. The carrier has also equipped approximately 150 aircraft with Starlink in-flight internet service, making it the world's largest fleet with this service. Additionally, the company is prioritizing air cargo operations, which have performed above expectations this year, as they play a key role in Qatar's growing role in global trade and supply chains.

Despite the challenges faced, Qatar Airways continues to rank among the highest-performing airlines in the Gulf region, with an on-time performance rate of around 90%.