Qatar Airways has broadened its ban on transporting hunting trophies to cover all species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Previously prohibiting only CITES Appendix I hunting trophies, the airline now forbids carriage of items from species included in CITES Appendices I, II and III.
Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive of Qatar Airways Group, said the decision reflects the carrier’s wider social and environmental responsibilities. “As one of the world’s leading airlines, serving customers across six continents, Qatar Airways recognizes its responsibility to society, our communities and the environment. An absolute ban on all hunting trophies further extends our commitment to supporting the protection of endangered species and the elimination of illegal trading of animal products,” he said.
The expanded prohibition applies to trophies and animal parts derived from species protected by CITES, which lists more than 35,000 species worldwide. That list includes over 5,000 animal species and roughly 30,000 plant species. Among those animals are great apes, the giant panda, numerous South American monkeys, cheetahs, lions, leopards, tigers, elephants and rhinoceroses—all species facing varying degrees of threat from habitat loss, poaching and illegal trade.
This policy update aligns Qatar Airways with a growing number of carriers and transport operators that are tightening rules around the movement of wildlife products. By refusing to transport hunting trophies from CITES-listed species, the airline aims to reduce demand for illicit wildlife items and help disrupt supply chains that fuel poaching and illegal trafficking.
Operationally, the change means that customers will no longer be permitted to check or carry hunting trophies associated with any species on CITES Appendices I, II or III, regardless of documentation. The move simplifies enforcement for the airline and removes ambiguity that can arise from differing national regulations or permits. It also reinforces the principle that commercial transport should not facilitate trade in parts and products that threaten species survival.
Wildlife conservation experts note that curbing transport options is a practical way to limit illegal wildlife trade. Transport carriers are a critical link in the chain used by traffickers to move animal parts and trophies across borders. When airlines, shipping lines and freight handlers tighten restrictions, traffickers face higher logistical hurdles and increased risk of detection—factors that can reduce the volume of illegal shipments.
Qatar Airways’ policy change is part of broader industry and governmental efforts to bolster protections for endangered species. Many conservation groups advocate for stronger measures both at source countries and in transit or destination countries, since effective protection requires coordinated action along the entire trade route.
For passengers, the new rule affects those who might previously have been able to transport hunting trophies with appropriate permits. Customers planning to travel with animal-derived items should check baggage rules carefully and consult airline representatives before attempting to bring any wildlife parts on board, including hides, bones, horns, tusks, or mounted specimens. Even items claimed to be legal can be subject to seizure if they contravene airline policy or international conventions.
By tightening its stance, Qatar Airways signals a commitment to preventing its operations from contributing to the decline of vulnerable species. The airline’s ban on CITES-listed hunting trophies represents an operational decision with conservation implications, demonstrating how corporate policies can support global efforts to protect biodiversity and combat illegal wildlife trade.