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Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) has ramped up enforcement measures across the country’s travel and air cargo sector, shutting down four non-compliant agencies as part of a wide-ranging inspection campaign aimed at tightening oversight and protecting consumer rights.
The campaign, led by QCAA’s Air Transport Department, forms part of the authority’s broader strategy to regulate the sector and ensure adherence to national laws, particularly Article (3) of Law No. (3) of 2025, which governs licensing and operational standards for travel and cargo businesses.
Speaking to Qatar TV recently, Issa Abdullah Al-Maliki, Director of the Air Transport Department at QCAA, said the inspections are designed to enhance service quality, enforce compliance, and safeguard passengers.
“This campaign is part of our continuous efforts to organise the travel and air cargo sector, improve performance, and ensure offices comply with the law,” he said.
Al-Maliki emphasised that protecting travelers’ rights remains a top priority, alongside creating a fair and transparent market environment free from violations and malpractice.
He said that QCAA inspectors who are granted judicial authority, conduct field visits to travel and cargo offices across the country.
“These inspections focus on several core criteria, including verifying the suitability of business premises, ensuring valid operating licenses, and confirming transparency in ticket pricing without hidden fees,” said Al-Maliki adding that among the most common violations identified during the campaign were agencies operating without valid licenses, expired permits, and offices deemed unsuitable for conducting travel-related activities.
He said that authorities follow a graduated enforcement approach, beginning with warnings and allowing time for corrective action. Continued non-compliance can lead to financial penalties, closure, or permanent deregistration of the business.
Ahead of the crackdown, QCAA launched an awareness initiative encouraging agencies to regularise their status. According to Al-Maliki, many businesses responded positively, taking steps to correct violations before inspections began.
“We maintain ongoing communication with travel and cargo offices to guide them and help them meet regulatory requirements,” he said, noting that these efforts have significantly improved overall service standards in the sector.
To further protect consumers, Al-Maliki said that QCAA has streamlined its complaint system through its official website, allowing passengers to file grievances electronically without the need to visit offices.
He said that complaints related to travel agencies or airlines are handled promptly by the dedicated Passenger Rights Protection Section.
Al-Maliki called for all travel and cargo operators to obtain the necessary licenses and comply fully with regulations before conducting any business activities. He stressed that licensing procedures are straightforward and integrated with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry through a single-window system.
“Operators must take the initiative to correct their status and refrain from practicing any activity without proper authorization,” he said, adding that QCAA remains available to support businesses and answer inquiries.
