National airlines of the world and the stories behind their names
Quick answer: A flag carrier is a country’s main international airline, often founded or owned by the state. Well-known examples include Emirates (UAE), Qatar Airways, Saudia, Royal Jordanian, EgyptAir, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa and British Airways.
Middle East flag carriers
Gulf airlines link Europe, Asia and Africa through hubs in Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi:
- Emirates and Etihad: United Arab Emirates
- Qatar Airways: Qatar
- Saudia: Saudi Arabia
- Royal Jordanian: Jordan
- EgyptAir: Egypt, one of the oldest airlines in Africa (1932)
- Middle East Airlines: Lebanon
Europe and beyond
Turkish Airlines flies to more countries than any other airline. KLM, founded in 1919, is the oldest airline still operating under its original name.
National airlines
Airlines and the countries they are based in:
| Airline | Country | Main hub |
|---|---|---|
| Emirates | UAE | Dubai |
| Qatar Airways | Qatar | Doha |
| Etihad | UAE | Abu Dhabi |
| Saudia | Saudi Arabia | Jeddah, Riyadh |
| EgyptAir | Egypt | Cairo |
| Royal Jordanian | Jordan | Amman |
| Turkish Airlines | Turkey | Istanbul |
| Lufthansa | Germany | Frankfurt, Munich |
Airline logos
Many airline logos use national symbols: Royal Jordanian shows a crown, Qatar Airways an oryx, EgyptAir the falcon-headed god Horus, and Saudia a palm tree and swords. Turkish Airlines uses a stylised wild goose.
The biggest hubs
Some airports connect the whole world. Dubai International is one of the busiest airports for international passengers, and Doha, Istanbul and Abu Dhabi have grown into major hubs linking Europe, Asia and Africa. Location helps: most of the world’s population lives within an eight-hour flight of the Gulf.
Airline alliances
Many airlines join alliances to share routes:
| Alliance | Example members |
|---|---|
| Star Alliance | Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, EgyptAir, Air Canada |
| oneworld | British Airways, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, American Airlines |
| SkyTeam | Air France, KLM, Saudia, Delta |
Airline codes
Every airline has a two-letter code used on tickets and boards, such as EK for Emirates, QR for Qatar Airways, MS for EgyptAir and RJ for Royal Jordanian.
Frequently asked questions
What is the oldest airline in the world?
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, founded in 1919.
Which airline flies to the most countries?
Turkish Airlines.
What animal is on the Qatar Airways logo?
An oryx.
What does the EgyptAir logo show?
Horus, the falcon-headed god of ancient Egypt.
What is EgyptAir’s code?
MS.
Which alliance is Qatar Airways in?
oneworld.