QATAR. Qatar Duty Free delivered record results in the financial year to 31 March, with sales turnover climbing +12% year-on-year, as the company managed over 15 million transactions. Sales growth outstripped the +7.7% rise in passenger traffic at Hamad International Airport to an all-time high of 52.5 million.
The performance was detailed as part of Qatar Airways Group’s annual results announcement today (19 May), with the group turning in the strongest financials in its history. Profits for the group, which includes Qatar Duty Free plus catering and cargo divisions, reached QAR7.85 billion (US$2.15 billion) in the 24/25 fiscal year (to 31 March), an +28% increase year-on-year.
In the annual report, Qatar Airways Group said 2024/25 marked a “significant milestone for QDF”.
“QDF continues to lead the way in experience-driven retail and hospitality,” said Qatar Airways Group.
“QDF’s vision for the future is deeply rooted in innovation, bringing to life new, ground-breaking concepts that elevate both the airport environment and customer experience.
“At the core of this approach is QDF’s Trinity model, which leverages collaboration and integration across airport, airline, and retailer.
“This collaboration enables real-time data sharing and insights across all touchpoints, powering integrated experiences across numerous areas during the customer journey.”
The annual report highlighted high-profile openings in the past year, including the world’s largest Dior Luxury Beauty Retreat and the first in an airport.
Highlight F&B openings included Le Petit Camion, the Qatari speciality coffee shop and Last Call, a hybrid retail and dining concept.
‘25 has arrived’ is the tagline of a spectacular airport-wide ‘takeover’ and multi-media campaign launched at Hamad International Airport on 1 May by Qatar Duty Free to honour its 25th anniversary. Click on the YouTube icon to view.
Qatar Airways Group added: “As QDF celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025, the company is poised for an ambitious year of expansion and innovation. Plans include launching over 25 new retail and food & beverage concepts, introducing cutting-edge ecommerce and data-sharing platforms, and hosting the world’s leading airport commercial revenues conference, The Trinity Forum, in Doha.”
Key achievements cited by Qatar Airways Group over the last financial year include:
- Record-breaking +28% increase in profit in 24/25 financial year.
- Hamad International Airport expansion, enabling it to cater for 65 million passengers annually.
- First global airline, and first in MENA region, to install Starlink super-fast wifi on its Boeing 777 fleet.
- 25% minority stake in Virgin Australia.
- 25% acquisition of South African premier regional airline, Airlink.
- Introduction of conversational AI into its world-first digital cabin crew, Sama.
- A range of technical MoUs future-proofing and diversifying the business across the sector, as well as working to fulfil the ambitions of the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “These record-breaking results are a testament to the hard work, skill and dedication of teams across all of Qatar Airways Group. I know that none of the outstanding results we’re announcing today would be possible without our people – more than 55,000 of them across the globe – and it’s our focus on fostering that talent which has been a core focus of our Qatar Airways 2.0 strategy.
“We have also successfully implemented strategic partnerships throughout the industry, in order for the Group to remain agile in the face of ever-shifting world events, whether political, economic or environmental.
“All of this means we continue to offer and develop exceptional service in the skies, whether it’s the award-winning Qsuite, fine dining, or super-fast complimentary Starlink internet connectivity for all passengers.”
*In The Moodie Davitt May Magazine, Qatar Airways Chief Retail & Hospitality Officer Thabet Musleh talks about the retailer’s commitment to investment, the power of partnership and reflects on a remarkable story of growth.
Click on the cover image (right) to access the full story. ✈
Footnote: Last year Moodie Davitt STUDIO released Airport Wonders of the World, a film series dedicated as the name suggests to the greatest gateways on the planet.
The inaugural production, a three-part series of short films, was dedicated to Hamad International Airport in Doha and Qatar Duty Free’s retail, dining, hospitality and leisure attractions.
Click on the YouTube icons to view.
