Flag carrier of Qatar; state-owned since 2013
A quartet of travel pieces this week covers LCC and premium experiences: Business Insider UK reviews a Qantas Qsuite lounge experience as top-tier and contrasts it with a Singapore Airlines economy cabin aboard an A380-800; the NY Post highlights baggage-fee hikes across major U.S. carriers; and a packing-smart guide offers tips to avoid those fees.
Since late June, civil aviation has faced several safety scares: a JetBlue A321 has reported a collision with a drone near JFK and landed safely; a United and a helicopter pilot have reported near-misses with unmanned aircraft near Newark and Manhattan; Delta 1076 reported a firework strike during descent into Chicago Midway; and LOT Polish Airlines flight 155 emitted a false hijack transponder code and was escorted to Burgas before authorities blamed a transponder error.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at 74, Qatar's Amiri Diwan has announced. He has been credited with transforming Qatar into an energy and diplomatic power by expanding LNG production, founding Al Jazeera, building sovereign investment vehicles and stepping down voluntarily in 2013 to hand power to his son.
Gianni Infantino’s travel across Canada, Mexico and the United States during the 2026 World Cup has been tracked through private jets and flight data. The journey, highlighted by 43 matches attended and hours aloft, underscores the tournament’s expansive geographic footprint and rising costs, with the final set in New Jersey.
The 2026 World Cup has reshaped markets and national feelings, with host nations counting big GDP gains while fans grapple with ticket prices, hydration breaks, and shifting loyalties. The event has intensified debates over money, mobilized nationalism as a consumer brand, and spotlighted soft power through sponsorships.
NATS has received a threat about a Qatar Airways flight, prompting police, the RAF, and airport authorities to respond. RAF Typhoons were scrambled from Lincolnshire to intercept the aircraft; it landed safely with no threat to passengers. A 14-year-old from Bolton, not on the flight, is assisting investigators.
The FAA has issued a final airworthiness directive requiring visual inspections of a forward "bear strap" and fuselage skin on certain Boeing 737 Max models. The rule, effective Sept. 10, covers about 471 U.S.-registered Max jets and mirrors inspections already mandated for older Next-Generation 737s after reports of cracks in that part.
WestJet flight attendants have walked off the job over pay for duties performed while the plane is on the ground. CUPE 8125 says some ground work remains unpaid, while WestJet argues credit-hour compensation covers pre- and post-flight duties. A 72-hour strike notice has expired and negotiations continue, threatening further disruption for travellers over the long weekend.
The Teaching Regulation Agency has banned Tandy L’Enfant from teaching indefinitely after findings that she amended coursework and submitted grades not supported by pupil work across multiple classes. The proceedings spanned 2023–2026, with allegations triggering internal school investigations and formal TRA action. The panel emphasised deliberate dishonesty and subversion of the national qualification’s integrity.
A Porter Airlines flight in British Columbia has been halted after a child standing in their seat could not be strapped in during taxi. The crew returned to the terminal to remove the parent and child, delaying takeoff past the airport’s 12:30 a.m. runway closure. Passengers were rebooked for the next day.
Australian transport safety investigators are probing a string of near-collision incidents at Sydney Airport over the past two weeks. A Virgin Australia 737 and a Qantas jet narrowly avoided a collision on a Sunday, with Jetstar also forcing a stop after a Qatar Airways aircraft being towed across a taxiway. Airservices Australia cites rostering and overtime issues as contributing factors.