Qatar Airways to add 138 aircraft in five years as traffic recovers

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 10, 2026

Qatar Airways announced plans to expand its fleet by adding 138 new aircraft over the next five years, including advanced models like the Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 777-9, while also equipping about 150 planes with Starlink internet to become the airline with the largest connected fleet. This expansion supports the airline's goal to grow its global network, enhance passenger experience, and increase service to economically challenging secondary markets amid strong post-pandemic recovery and increased flight demand.

Qatar Airways is set to undergo a major expansion over the next five years, with plans to add 138 new aircraft to its fleet, Chief Executive Officer Hamad Ali Al Khater announced Wednesday. The announcement came during a media event at Hamad International Airport in Doha, where the airline showcased its operational facilities, including the Integrated Operations Center, maintenance hangars, and Customer Support and Disruption Management Center.

Al Khater outlined a strategic growth plan focused on modernizing the airline’s fleet and expanding its global network and cargo capabilities. The new aircraft deliveries will include advanced models such as the Airbus A350-1000, Boeing 777-9, and the next-generation Qsuite cabins, expected to debut next summer. By the end of the year, the carrier also plans to receive 50 Airbus A321LR aircraft, aimed at increasing service to secondary markets with more challenging economic conditions.

In addition to fleet growth, Qatar Airways is equipping approximately 150 aircraft with Starlink high-speed internet, which will establish the carrier as the operator of the world’s largest connected fleet. This move aligns with the airline’s goal of enhancing passenger experience through improved connectivity.

The airline has experienced a strong recovery in passenger traffic, reaching 90 to 95 percent of last year’s levels amid high load factors. Since mid-June, Qatar Airways has expanded its destination network from 60 to 160 locations. Meanwhile, daily passenger throughput at Hamad International Airport has exceeded 140,000 as more international carriers resumed flights to Doha.

Despite facing operational challenges, the airline has maintained readiness to handle disruptions. Al Khater noted that airspace congestion currently causes delays ranging from 10 minutes to an hour. Qatar Airways has successfully managed three significant disruptions over the past two years: longstanding regional airspace closures beginning in late February, a volcanic eruption in Indonesia causing passenger impacts, and a large-scale IT outage affecting British air navigation services that led to widespread flight cancellations.

Alongside operational growth, the company has undertaken organizational restructuring to improve service quality, creating a Customer Experience Department responsible for hospitality and catering standards. Al Khater emphasized the airline’s dedication to professional development, with ongoing efforts to nurture Qatari talent and leadership to maintain its position in the international aviation industry.

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