Qatar Airways yet to pass on fuel price rise to travellers: Hamad Al-Khater

Doha, Qatar - Qatar Airways Group CEO Hamad Ali Al-Khater reported that the airline has not yet passed on the 90% increase in jet fuel prices to customers since the beginning of the year, according to an interview with Bloomberg TV. The CEO spoke during the Qatar Economic Forum in New York about the impact of rising oil and jet fuel prices on airlines.

Al-Khater mentioned that jet fuel currently costs around $182 per barrel, a 90% rise from February 28, 2026, the day the Iran-US conflict began. He assured that the airline is not passing on these cost increases to passengers at this time. The Qatar Airways Group is actively seeking fuel optimization and efficiencies through an integrated group.

The CEO also highlighted that the company is focusing on its business with a capacity dimension, prioritizing profitable routes and suspending or temporarily pausing less profitable ones. This strategy allows the airline to maintain its slots and loyal customer base. Al-Khater stated that the resilient picture is demand-driven, with travelers still seeking to fly.

Geopolitical changes have led to passengers booking tickets only within a 60-day window, but Al-Khater noted that demand remains strong. The airline continues to expand its network, with plans to add more than 170 destinations. Al-Khater acknowledged that navigating the Middle East crisis is a daily challenge for the airline, but he remains proud of his team's accomplishments.