PARIS- German aviation vlogger Josh Cahill has reappeared onboard a Qatar Airways (QR) aircraft for the first time since being banned by the airline in December 2023.
His brief return occurred during the Paris Air Show, where the Doha-based carrier had a static display of its Boeing 777-300ER.
Cahill, who runs a YouTube channel with over 788,000 subscribers, was prohibited from flying with Qatar Airways after publishing a viral video titled “The Shocking Decline of Qatar Airways,” which criticized his flight experience from Colombo (CMB) to London Heathrow (LHR) via Doha (DOH).
Cahill Returns After Qatar Airways Ban
The rift began when Cahill, known for candid airline reviews, released a critical video in 2023 highlighting what he described as deteriorating service aboard Qatar Airways (QR).
The airline reportedly demanded the video’s removal and, according to PYOK, even offered Cahill a complimentary flight in exchange for cooperation.
Cahill refused, and the airline then appealed to YouTube to remove the content, citing privacy concerns involving crew members.
YouTube sided with Cahill, keeping the video online. Shortly afterward, the airline invoked its contract of carriage clause that prohibits onboard filming without permission and permanently banned him.
The ban was communicated through a canceled flight booking, with Qatar Airways informing him that no future reservations would be accepted.
Despite the ban, nearly 18 months later, Cahill found himself back inside a Qatar Airways aircraft, albeit under unusual circumstances.
During the 2025 Paris Air Show, where Qatar Airways was showcasing its Boeing 777 in a static display, Cahill was allowed onboard, seemingly unnoticed by airline staff.
He documented the moment by posting an image in the QSuite Business Class on social media, adding a caption: “Perhaps Qatar Airways will unban me now.”
Qatar Airways Silence
Qatar Airways has yet to provide an official comment on the matter, nor has it clarified whether the ban remains active.
While Cahill’s presence on a non-operational aircraft may not constitute a full lift of the ban, it does mark a surprising turn in a story that has drawn considerable media attention.
The situation underscores growing tensions between airlines and online influencers who publicly review their experiences.
Critics argue that airlines should embrace transparent feedback, while others warn that filming onboard can compromise privacy and safety protocols.
Highlights from Paris Air Show 2025
In parallel, the Paris Air Show delivered several major industry updates:
- Riyadh Air (RX) placed a significant order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 jets, with an option for 25 more.
- LOT Polish Airlines (LO) made its inaugural order with Airbus for A220 aircraft, opting against Embraer.
- Israeli defense companies faced a temporary shutdown of their booths due to local political tensions.
- Boeing took a subdued stance following the fatal Air India (AI171) 787 Dreamliner crash, which claimed over 240 lives and raised new concerns over the model’s safety record.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
