Qatar Airways Responds To Concerns Over Diplomatic Crisis In Region
by Barbara Peterson
Qatar Airways is working to reassure travelers and travel sellers that its long-distance international flights are operating normally.
Qatar Airways is working to reassure travelers and travel sellers that its long-distance international flights are operating normally, despite the decision earlier this week by neighboring countries to sever diplomatic ties with the Gulf State of Qatar.
The move by seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, affects all transportation among the countries, and bans Qatar Airways flights and Qatari-registered aircraft from entering their airspace.
The main impact of the rift is on the regional, short-haul flights operated by Qatar and rival carriers, which connect the airport hub of Doha with Saudi Arabia and other nearby countries. As previously reported, four Gulf carriers – Emirates, Etihad, Saudia and Bahrain’s Gulf Air – also have suspended all flights to Qatar.
“Operations are running as normal with no disruptions to flights, with the exception of those to the four countries Qatar Airways has been restricted to fly to,” the carrier said in a statement provided to TMR. “Our passengers remain our utmost priority and we will continue to ensure they have a seamless journey to their final destinations.”
The carrier said it has made arrangements to transport any passengers stranded by the impasse in Saudi Arabia and other affected countries. To keep the rest of its service running smoothly, it is re-routing some longer flights through Turkish and Iranian airspace, according to a source close to the situation. “Service to and from the U.S. will continue to operate as normal,” the source said.
There was no indication how long the dispute might go on: Saudi Arabia and the other governments have accused the Qatari government of providing support to terrorist groups and destabilizing the region. Qatar has called for talks to resolve the dispute.
In recent years, Qatar’s airline has grown into a major international contender, gaining a reputation for top-notch service; it was the launch customer for Airbus Industrie’s advanced A350 widebody jet, and it recently rolled out a new business-class product dubbed the Q-Suite – pod-like cabins with sliding doors, and, for customers who request it, the possibility of creating a double-bed suite.
