The Emir of Qatar’s $360,000,000 Boeing 747 is so huge Mallorca’s runway had to be checked for damage
Published on Oct 22, 2025 at 4:02 AM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Oct 21, 2025 at 8:05 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
The Emir of Qatar and his $360,000,000 Boeing 747 caused so much stress on the Spanish island of Mallorca that they had to check the runway in case the Jumbo Jet had damaged it.
The Boeing 747 is one of the largest aircraft ever built, and the second-biggest airliner in the world behind the huge Airbus A380 super jumbo.
In June 2025, the Emir of Qatar’s Boeing 747-8 BBJ landed at Palma in Mallorca, and it caused quite a headache for the airport and air traffic control.
Thanks to its enormous size, it briefly disrupted operations to the point that the runway needed checking for damage after the jet had landed.
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The Boeing 747 is a huge passenger aircraft
Even as standard, the Qatar Boeing 747 is a monster, and it complicated operations at Palma airport on Spain’s Mallorca island.
Its size meant it could only use runway 06L/24R at the airport, the longest at Palma.
The runway measures 3,270 meters by 45 meters, just within the margins for the jumbo jet.
After the aircraft landed in the summer, the runway needed to be inspected to ensure there was no damage to the tarmac.
Because of the inspection, the airport had to temporarily close the runway.
This slowed the rate of landings and takeoffs, causing a slight bit of disruption to Palma’s operations.
The Qatari Boeing is a flying palace
The Emir’s Boeing 747-8 BBJ is currently one of the most expensive aircraft flying in the world.
It is effectively a flying palace, featuring full bedrooms, lounge areas, and other touches of luxury.
At a cost of $360 million or thereabouts, it’s one of the most expensive aircraft in the world.
This flying palace can host 89 passengers and 14 crew members.
@aviation_group_europe @Qatar Airways 747-8 at Palma De Mallorca @Enjoy Aena #QatarAmiriFlight #Boeing747 #Palma #Mallorca ♬ original sound – Tyger🦅 – Tyger 🐆
Outwardly, many of the windows on the aircraft are blacked out.
This suggests that some of the interior modifications to the Boeing have been quite extensive.
It is a massive flex for the Emir of Qatar when the aircraft lands abroad.
Even if it does cause a runway to need inspecting when it lands!
To be able to say you have your own flying palace is something many of us would love to do.
Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
