Qatar Airways Group has appointed Mr Hamad Ali Al-Khater as Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 7 December 2025, replacing Engr Badr Mohammed Al-Meer after just over two years in the role.
The announcement was made in a short corporate statement and, in line with reporting across international aviation media, gave no reason for Al-Meer’s immediate departure, with the CEO change described as taking effect “with immediate effect” and without further explanation.
Al-Khater moves into the top job from Hamad International Airport, where he served as Chief Operating Officer and helped position Doha as a leading global hub through major expansion projects, passenger-experience upgrades and strong traffic growth. His earlier career included senior roles at Qatar Energy, focusing on large-scale strategic projects and deal execution.
Al-Meer’s exit comes despite a series of high-profile initiatives under his leadership. Since becoming Group CEO in November 2023, he has fronted the unveiling of the “Qsuite Next Gen” business-class product at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow, signalling a renewed push at the very top end of premium travel. Strategically, he oversaw a landmark US$96 billion agreement for up to 210 Boeing widebody aircraft, the largest widebody order in Boeing’s history along with a record engine deal with GE Aerospace, positioning Qatar Airways for long-term growth with a younger, more efficient fleet.
Network and partnership moves during his tenure included accelerated expansion in Saudi Arabia – with a new Hail route and increased frequencies to Jeddah and Riyadh and deeper investment in partner airlines such as Virgin Australia and South Africa’s Airlink, while unwinding the carrier’s position in Cathay Pacific. He also articulated a shift from “breakneck” growth to more measured expansion after the next major fleet order, emphasising yield quality and service standards in an increasingly competitive Gulf market.
Against that backdrop, the lack of any official rationale from Qatar Airways for Al-Meer’s sudden replacement is notable and has taken the global aviation community with surprise. Industry reaction to the latest change has been one of surprise. Trade and frequent-flyer commentators have described the move as “abrupt” and “sudden”, pointing to the lack of any transition period and the absence of a statement from Al-Meer as indicators that this was not a routine handover. Several analysts have also noted that this is the second rapid CEO change since the departure of long-serving chief Akbar Al Baker, underlining how closely senior appointments at the airline are intertwined with wider state decision-making.