Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Elias Visontay Transport and urban affairs reporter

Qatar Airways has flown into a political storm. Here’s everything you need to know

Qatar Airways Australia Qatar Qantas Doha Alan Joyce Melbourne
Qatar airways plane
Qatar Airways’ request for extra air rights has become mired in controversy, and at a time when international airfares remain high. Photograph: Jed Leicester/REX/Shutterstock

It is fair to say the tiny gulf nation of Qatar has probably registered more mentions on Australian Hansard in the past week than any other time in history.

At the centre of this saga is Qatar Airways and the Albanese government’s decision to refuse the airline’s application to increase its operations to Australia.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
McDonald’s customer finishes her Diet Coke. Then she looks inside the cup and realizes what she just swallowed: ‘Literally, it was in someone’s ear’
That's going to scar her for life.
We Got This Covered
We Got This Covered
Sacha Baron Cohen reveals Marvel’s ‘devil’ dilemma over his Jewish heritage as he admits feeling finally understood
The Borat and Ali G comedian has opened up about the unusual sensitivity shown by the creative team behind Disney+ series Ironheart, revealing how historical antisemitic stereotypes influenced discussions about his casting as Marvel villain Mephisto.
BANG Premier
BANG Premier
Noah Wyle Gets Absolutely Eviscerated After Becoming Clear Favorite To Win Famous Title: “Used To Mean Something”
Noah Wyle is reportedly leading the race for People magazine’s 2026 Sexiest Man Alive title, but the buzz has sparked plenty of criticism online.
Bored Panda
Bored Panda
Cara Delevingne reveals bizarre lesbian sex party disaster
The supermodel and actress has opened up about an unforgettable romantic encounter while discussing her sobriety, relationship with musician Minke and her changing attitude towards love as she embarks on a new chapter in her career.
BANG Premier
BANG Premier
Your License Plate Is Public — But Should Your Driving History Be?
A stranger can photograph your license plate at a red light without asking permission. That doesn’t mean the stranger should get your driving history, home address, or a convenient timeline of your movements. In the United States, those are different kinds of information, governed by different rules. Yet modern technology…
Clever Dude
Clever Dude
Would You Pay More for the Same Meal Just Because It Looks Better?
Imagine ordering grilled chicken with rice and vegetables at two different restaurants. One serves everything in a simple pile, while the other arranges the chicken neatly, places the vegetables in colorful sections, and finishes the plate with a carefully drizzled sauce. The ingredients and portion sizes are identical, yet the…
Grocery Coupon Guide
Grocery Coupon Guide
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play