Qatar Airways Appoints New CEO from Hamad International Airport
Qatar Airways Group announced a leadership transition on December 7, 2025, with the appointment of Hamad Ali Al-Khater as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Al-Khater assumes the role previously held by Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, whose tenure as CEO was notably brief compared to his predecessor.
Al-Khater brings extensive operational and strategic experience to the position. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar Airways’ primary global hub. His background also includes senior leadership positions at QatarEnergy, the state-owned energy corporation, where he developed substantial expertise in large-scale operations and strategic management.
The airline expressed gratitude to outgoing CEO Al-Meer for his contributions but did not provide specific details regarding the circumstances surrounding this management change. This marks a notable shift in the airline’s leadership structure and signals potential strategic direction adjustments.
The appointment occurs within the context of Qatar Airways’ significant growth trajectory. The carrier has established itself as one of the world’s largest and most successful airlines, a trajectory largely shaped by the visionary leadership of former CEO Akbar Al Baker, who held the position for 27 years from November 1996 through November 2023. Al Baker’s extended tenure was instrumental in transforming Qatar Airways from a regional carrier into a global aviation powerhouse.
Al-Khater’s appointment represents a return to operational leadership, potentially emphasizing airport-airline integration and operational excellence. His background at both Hamad International Airport and QatarEnergy suggests a strategic focus on efficiency, infrastructure optimization, and stakeholder coordination across Qatar’s aviation ecosystem.
The industry will closely monitor Al-Khater’s strategic priorities, including network expansion, fleet modernization, and competitive positioning in the intensely competitive global aviation market. His appointment underscores Qatar’s continued commitment to maintaining its position as a leading aviation hub in the Middle East and globally.
Source ID: SRCE-2025-1765111813000-1224