The Qatar Airways Group has presented a record-breaking balance sheet for the completed financial year 2025/26. Despite significant geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which particularly affected the last quarter of the reporting period, the group generated a profit after tax of QAR 7,08 billion, equivalent to approximately US$1,94 billion.
With over 41,8 million passengers carried and a massive expansion of its route network to over 160 destinations by summer 2026, the state-owned airline is consolidating its position as one of the financially strongest players in global air transport. CEO Hamad Al-Khater emphasized in this context the resilience of the organization, which is supported by a workforce of approximately 57.800 employees worldwide.
A key pillar of the airline's economic success remains its cargo division, Qatar Airways Cargo. With a transport volume of 1,43 million tons and a global market share of 12%, the company maintains its position as the world's largest international air freight provider. To secure this growth for the long term, the group has finalized one of the most extensive fleet orders in aviation history. Agreements with Boeing and GE Aerospace include the acquisition and maintenance of up to 210 aircraft and 400 engines. These investments aim to further increase capacity at its Doha hub and expand its technological market leadership, for example, by equipping its wide-body fleet with Starlink internet.
The airline's operational excellence was recognized internationally on several occasions last year. With an on-time performance rate of 86%, Qatar Airways secured the Cirium Platinum Award, ranking among the top five most punctual airlines worldwide. Furthermore, the company was named "World's Best Airline" by Skytrax for the ninth consecutive year. Its home airport, Hamad International Airport in Doha, also maintained its leading position, receiving the award for the eleventh year in a row as the best airport in the Middle East. Special mention was made of the investments made in Qatar Duty Free, which once again received the award for the world's best airport shopping experience.
Additional industry analyses demonstrate that Qatar Airways has significantly expanded its reach beyond its own route network through the massive development of partnerships and codeshare agreements. While competitors in the region struggled with operational constraints, the airline benefited from its high degree of flexibility in aircraft deployment between short- and long-haul routes. The strategic decision to invest early in high-speed in-flight internet connectivity has also increased its appeal to business travelers on ultra-long-haul flights. With one of the strongest balance sheets in its history, the group is now entering the second half of 2026 and plans further frequency increases on key trade routes.