Qatar Travel & Air Freight Law 2025: Full Foreign Ownership, Licensing & Compliance

23 May 2025

Gandhi AlMinaj

The new regulation, Law No. 3, concerning the regulation of Travel and Air Freight Offices in Qatar, was introduced in 2025. Specifically, the provided sources indicate the regulation was published around May 20-22, 2025, repealing Law No. 26 of 2006. This law introduces a significant regulatory framework impacting the operation of travel and air freight offices within Qatar.

Doha: Effective immediately, Law No. 3 of 2025 introduces a comprehensive regulatory regime for travel and air freight offices in Qatar, repealing previous laws and aligning national standards with international aviation practices. Key takeaways include new licensing frameworks, operational standards, and the landmark elimination of the 51% local-ownership requirement—enabling full foreign ownership in both sectors.

2. Definitions

·        Travel Offices: Entities handling ticketing, travel arrangements, baggage transportation, and related services.

·        Air Freight Offices: Entities managing air cargo, baggage shipment, and (with special approval) hazardous materials.

·        Hazardous Materials: Substances that pose risk to health, property or the environment; classification follows ICAO guidelines.

3. Licensing Requirements To legally operate, Travel or Air Freight Offices must:

·        Be registered Qatari companies under the Commercial Companies Law.

·        Operate from approved premises—or via Qatari-hosted websites upon proper clearance.

·        Employ qualified personnel.

·        Secure fire insurance and issue a bank guarantee as determined by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA).

4. Application & Objection Process

·        The QCAA must issue a decision within 30 days of a complete application.

·        Silence equals rejection—applicants may object to the Director within 30 days.

·        Licenses are valid for one year and renewable upon timely application and fee payment.

5. Operating Conditions & Obligations Travel Offices Must:

·        Follow international ticketing rules and avoid fraudulent practices.

Air Freight Offices Must:

·        Comply with global airway bill and pricing standards.

·        Obtain specific approval and train staff when handling hazardous materials.

Branch Establishment: Prior QCAA approval and fee payment are mandatory for opening branches.

6. Penalties & Enforcement

The QCAA may issue notices, suspend licenses (up to 3 months), or close non-compliant offices (15 days, extendable). Grounds for license revocation include:

·        Fraudulent applications

·        Operating beyond scope

·        Failing to renew or commence within six months

·        Unauthorized assignment of license

Fines:

·        Up to QAR 200,000 for hazardous-material violations

·        Up to QAR 50,000 for other infractions

·        Responsible managers may face personal penalties for oversight failures

7. Foreign Ownership Reform

One of the most impactful updates under Law No. 3 of 2025 is the removal of the 51% Qatari/GCC ownership requirement. This opens both sectors to 100% foreign ownership, offering significant opportunities for international logistics providers, travel operators, and franchise investors seeking entry into Qatar’s aviation-support ecosystem.

ALKETBI TOUCH

Our Regulatory & Commercial team assists clients with:

·        Company formation and licensing under the new law

·        Bank guarantee structuring, staff accreditation and insurance compliance

·        Website-based operations clearance

·        Handling license objections, renewals and amendments

·        Advising on full foreign ownership restructuring options

For tailored advice or to launch your Qatar travel or freight operations in full compliance with Law No. 3 of 2025, feel free to reach out!