Qatar Airways Group reported a post-tax profit of 7.08 billion Qatari riyals ($1.94 billion) for the 2025/26 financial year, the airline said on Wednesday, citing strong operational performance and resilient demand despite geopolitical and economic challenges.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the state-owned airline said the results reflected “robust performance” despite disruptions linked to geopolitical developments in the final month of the fiscal year, underscoring the carrier’s resilience amid global instability.

The Gulf carrier said it transported more than 41.8 million passengers during the financial year while maintaining global connectivity through Hamad International Airport, its main transit hub. The airline’s cargo division handled more than 1.43 million tonnes of freight, maintaining what Qatar Airways described as the world’s largest international air cargo operation with a 12 percent global market share.

Qatar Airways also reported an 86 percent on-time performance rate, placing it among the world’s five most punctual airlines, according to aviation analytics company Cirium, which awarded the carrier its platinum award for operational excellence.

Hamad Al-Khater, chief executive officer of Qatar Airways Group, said the financial year had tested the company’s operational and organisational resilience.

“It is not often that a single financial year asks an organisation to demonstrate both the best of what it can achieve and the depth of what it can withstand,” Al-Khater said in a statement.

“These results speak to the strength of this group across every measure that matters—a strong balance sheet, industry-leading operations, partnerships of real depth, and people who maintained the standards this Group is known for, even under the most demanding conditions,” he added.

The airline highlighted several milestones during the financial year, including agreements with Boeing and GE Aerospace for up to 210 aircraft and 400 engines, one of the aviation industry’s largest fleet and servicing commitments in recent years.

Qatar Airways also said it had retained its position as the “World’s Best Airline” in the 2025 Skytrax rankings for a record ninth time. Its hub, Hamad International Airport, was recognised as the best airport in the Middle East for the 11th consecutive year, while Qatar Duty Free was named the world’s best airport shopping destination for a third straight year.

The airline said it had expanded onboard internet connectivity through SpaceX’s Starlink service, becoming the first carrier to operate what it described as the world’s largest Starlink-equipped widebody fleet, including Boeing 777, Airbus A350, and Boeing 787-8 aircraft.

For passengers, the financial strength and fleet investments are expected to support network expansion and service improvements, with Qatar Airways planning to serve more than 160 destinations by summer 2026. The airline said travellers would benefit from broader route options, enhanced onboard connectivity, and improved transit services through Doha.

The results come as Gulf carriers continue competing aggressively for market share in long-haul travel, leveraging geographic location, premium services, and expanding fleets to capture transit traffic between Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Industry analysts say Qatar Airways’ profitability highlights the relative strength of major Middle Eastern airlines despite inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions affecting global aviation.

Looking ahead, Qatar Airways said it would continue rebuilding and expanding its global network, supported by fleet growth and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening long-term competitiveness in international aviation.

Source: Qatar Airways PR