Qatar Airways retires Airbus A330 jets and sends pilots to RwandAir as Iran war raises fuel costs

Qatar Airways has retired its last Airbus A330 passenger jets and seconded some pilots to RwandAir as the prolonged Iran war disrupts Gulf aviation and raises fuel costs. The airline leased four A330s from Oman Air in 2025 but they never entered service; one was acquired by RwandAir. A spokesperson said the move is part of regular fleet review, with 138 new aircraft expected in five years. Global A330 operations have dropped 12% since September 2025. Qatar Airways plans to resume growth and recruit pilots for newer aircraft once regional disruption eases.