Qatar Airways names Hamad Ali Al-Khater as new group CEO

Qatar Airways Group has appointed Mr Hamad Ali Al-Khater as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 7 December 2025, marking a significant leadership transition at one of the world’s most decorated airlines. He succeeds Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.

The announcement was made in Doha and published by the airline on Sunday, 7 December 2025.

Qatar Airways welcomes new Group CEO

Al-Khater joins the national carrier after serving as Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, where he oversaw operational safety and reliability, as well as long-term strategy, infrastructure development and improvements to the passenger experience.

His tenure coincided with the airport’s continued rise as a major global hub and its recognition as one of the world’s leading airports.

Before moving into aviation, Al-Khater held senior positions at QatarEnergy. His work there included business development, deal execution and the management of large strategic and operational initiatives across the organisation.

His Excellency Mr Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Qatar Airways Group Board of Directors, said: “Qatar Airways Group extends its appreciation to Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer for his service. As we welcome Mr Hamad Ali Al-Khater, we look forward to building on the strong foundations and expansive global network of Qatar Airways, anchored by our exceptional team in Qatar and around the world. With this leadership transition, Qatar Airways Group reaffirms its commitment to delivering world-class experiences, reliability, and innovation to travellers around the globe.”

Qatar Airways enters this new chapter following a series of record achievements. The airline was named World’s Best Airline for the ninth time at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards and continues to hold titles including World’s Best Business Class, World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge and Best Airline in the Middle East.

The carrier now serves more than 170 destinations worldwide through its Doha hub at Hamad International Airport, which has been recognised as the Best Airport in the Middle East for 11 consecutive years. The airport has also received multiple global awards for passenger experience, retail and overall service standards.

Qatar Airways is also known for industry-leading environmental initiatives. It was the first airline in the Middle East to achieve the highest level of certification under IATA’s Environmental Assessment Programme and was the first airline globally to meet the aviation standard for preventing illegal wildlife trafficking.

Al-Khater’s appointment is expected to guide the airline through its next phase of network expansion, digital transformation and sustainability-focused growth.