Hamad Airport has been expanded with more shops added.
Kevin Rosario
The strongest results in Qatar Airways Group's history were released on Monday, with retail subsidiary Qatar Tax-Free (QDF) making a strong contribution. The airline, Doha's Hamad International Airport, generated record profits of 78.5 billion QAR ($2.15 billion), up 28% from $1.7 billion the previous year.
This was a revenue growth rate of QAR 8.564 billion ($23.5 billion) from just 6.3% for the 12 months ended March 31, 2025.
The rise in profits indicates the airline's partnership strategy, carefully planned route development, on-flight service and agility in the face of a volatile political and economic environment.
Last week, the airline agreed to a large order of Boeing Jets (up to 210) when Donald Trump visited Qatar, boosting difficult aircraft manufacturers suffering from safety and production issues.
Meanwhile, the 100%-held QDF company operating retail offers of over 430,000 square feet at Hamad International has increased its airline revenue share. In the 12 months ending March, QDF sales across more than 200 retail and beverage (F&B) outlets increased 12% year-on-year, processing more than 15 million individual transactions over that period.
The 12% figure is below 18% that QDF reported directly earlier this year on its 2024 calendar, suggesting sales softened in the first quarter of 2025.
QDF support last year was a record passenger number at Qatar Airways hub. In 2024, traffic hit 52.7 million, rising 15%, remaining at the top of the ACI world rankings for the busiest international airport in #10. The airport slipped from the previous year as Hong Kong International returned to the top 10 (#9) after a very late revival due to post-Covid attention, but last year ended up overdrive (up 34%).
How Qatar Airways benefits from tax exemptions
For FY25, Qatar Airways broke its revenues on duty-free products and beverages, reaching 35.6 billion ($9777.2 million). It's likely that it's all derived from QDF, but the retailer didn't confirm this at the time of writing.
This year, there will be an extra level of activity added to A, B and C in terms of stores opening in newly launched Competition D and E, along with the renowned 25th anniversary activities.
So revenues have skyrocketed and Qatar Airways Chief Retail and Hospitality Officer Sabeth Masle said he will raise his experience level at Hamad Airport in Doha this year, leading in concepts that other airports have not deployed. (A detailed interview with Musleh will soon be appearing.)
The luxurious double height Dior spa interior is located at Hamad International Airport.
Kevin Rosario
Engle, CEO of Qatar Airways Group. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer described the QDF as “the heartbeat of passenger-focused operations.” Rare praise from the airline head. It highlights the important role that careers believe shopping and F&B play in overall operations.
QDF's vision continues what is called a “groundbreaking” project, including major campaigns. These will spark the thrill of Formula 1 (airlines are partners), featuring airport F1 car displays, race simulators and race themed dining experiences. The revitalization of big luxury labels such as Chanel's Winter Tales. and Yves St. Laurent's summer mirage, with an aesthetic focus.
As part of QDF's 25th anniversary ceremony, this year will launch at least 25 new retail and F&B concepts, with parent Qatar Airways expanding its services to Toronto and Sao Paulo from June.
