Qatar increases stake in BA parent
Middle Eastern carrier Qatar Airways has increased its stake in British Airways’ parent IAG and indicated that it might buy more shares in the airline group.
It has increased its shareholding to 15.01%, up from just under 12% last month.
Under EU rules, a non-European Union carrier cannot take a controlling stake in an EU airline, but Qatar would be allowed to buy up to 49% of IAG’s shares.
The European Commission has suggested that in the future, it might allow non-EU airlines to take a larger stake in European carriers.
Qatar Airways’ chief executive Akbar Al Baker said: "We have been very happy with our investment in IAG, from a financial, commercial and strategic perspective.
"The relationship formed has helped to deliver on our westbound strategy. Furthermore, IAG’s proven management and strategic direction have been the basis on which we will continue to forge a long-term relationship."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements