Qatar Airways has officially activated Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) across its digital infrastructure, marking a major step forward in the country’s digital transformation journey. The initiative was carried out under the regulatory supervision and support of the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) as part of a national roadmap to enhance Qatar’s digital readiness and align with global technology standards.
IPv6, the latest iteration of the Internet Protocol, offers vastly expanded address space compared to its predecessor IPv4, enabling seamless connectivity for billions of devices. It plays a crucial role in advancing Internet of Things (IoT) applications, smart city ecosystems, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications — foundational technologies for modern digital economies.
The CRA, which oversees the IPv6 Qatar Taskforce, monitored Qatar Airways’ transition to ensure compliance with approved technical, security, and regulatory frameworks. The milestone positions Qatar Airways among the early adopters of IPv6 within the aviation sector, setting a model for other national institutions.
Ali Al Suwaidi, Director of Technical Affairs at CRA, highlighted the strategic importance of this achievement:
“The activation of IPv6 by Qatar Airways represents a significant milestone, reflecting the close collaboration between CRA and members of the IPv6 Qatar Taskforce. It demonstrates Qatar Airways’ digital maturity and reinforces Qatar’s position as a leading digital hub.”
Al Suwaidi reaffirmed CRA’s ongoing commitment to guiding organizations through the IPv6 transition via technical support, awareness programs, and coordinated policy implementation — all in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
Suhail Kamil Kadri, Chief Information Officer at Qatar Airways, said the move underscores the airline’s dedication to innovation and secure digital transformation:
“This achievement reflects our alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and highlights the importance of building a secure, resilient, and future-ready digital infrastructure. By embracing IPv6, we set a new benchmark for sustainability and operational excellence in aviation.”
According to the Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), Qatar continues to make significant progress in IPv6 adoption, signaling its growing leadership in regional digital connectivity and smart infrastructure readiness.
