Qatar Airways CEO: Not Passing Fuel Costs to Customers Just Yet
Qatar Airways CEO Hamad Al-Khater said at the Skift Global Forum in New York City that the carrier is not ready to pass higher fuel costs on to customers, calling it an option of last resort because of the competitive landscape in the Middle East. He noted that fuel prices have surged again as attacks in the Iran war intensified, and that Qatar Airways, like other Middle Eastern carriers, has been hit hard by airspace closures in the region and a drop in demand.
Impact and considerations
Middle Eastern carriers are absorbing higher fuel costs and regional airspace constraints without raising fares for now, which may pressure margins but also means business-travel pricing through Gulf hubs has not yet seen a pass-through increase.
Key points
- Qatar Airways CEO Hamad Al-Khater made the remarks at the Skift Global Forum in New York City on September 23, 2026.
- He said the carrier is not ready to pass fuel costs on to customers and called it an option of last resort.
- He cited the competitive landscape in the Middle East and said the airline has to get used to higher fuel prices.
- Fuel prices have surged again in recent weeks as attacks in the Iran war intensified.
- Qatar Airways, like other Middle Eastern carriers, has been hit hard by airspace closures in the region and a drop in demand.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- Skift
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 23 Sept 2026, 23:51
- Page published
- 24 Sept 2026, 00:26
- Last updated
- 23 Sept 2026, 23:51
- Original links
- Skift Feed：Qatar Airways CEO Wants to Avoid Airfare Hikes: 'We Don’t Want to Pass It on to Our Customers Just Yet' (opens in a new tab)Primary source · en · Published 23 Sept 2026, 23:51