Flag carrier of Qatar; state-owned since 2013; global hub operations and aviation footprint
Airlines are expanding unbundled premium fares and no-middle-seat rows to attract high-spending travelers. United and Delta are rolling out basic business and no-middle-seat options, with mixed consumer response. Other carriers test similar strategies as travel demand stays strong.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at 74, Qatar's Amiri Diwan has announced. The former emir has been credited with turning Qatar into a major LNG exporter, founding Al Jazeera, creating the Qatar Investment Authority and raising the country’s diplomatic profile before abdicating to his son in 2013.
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.
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.