Qatar Airways responds to travel ban
In the days following the shock split between Qatar and the surrounding Middle Eastern countries, Qatar Airways has remained fairly quiet despite the concerns over how the new ban will affect travellers.
But in a statement to Travel Market Report, it has broken its silence over how the diplomatic conflict will impact its airline services.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt have all cut ties with the country, banning travel between the nations, and significantly, banning Qatar Airways flights from entering the airspace of these nations, claiming Qatar is supporting terrorists and poses a security risk.
Qatar Airways posted on its website on Monday that it had “suspended all flights to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kingdom of Bahrain and Egypt until further notice”. It has since announced on its website that its offices in Dubai, Sharjah and Riyadh have been “closed in accordance with local authority directions”.
Qatar Airways told Travel Weekly in a statement, “Qatar Airways 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.
“At Qatar Airways, our passengers remain our utmost priority and we will continue to ensure they have a seamless journey to their final destinations.”
Our global operations remain unaffected and it’s business as usual. https://t.co/ddvzIAauh0 #QatarAirways pic.twitter.com/Kd2uNqtDy1
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) June 7, 2017
Per TMR, in order to keep the rest of its service running smoothly, Qatar Airways is re-routing some longer flights through Turkish and Iranian airspace, according to a source close to the situation.
“Service to and from the US will continue to operate as normal,” the source said.
The ban effectively means that Qatar Airways will no longer be able to fly to Europe and the US through Saudi and Egyptian airspace, and as a result could see passengers subject to longer trip times, inefficient routings that avoid banned airspace, which means added fuel costs, and then compromised ticket sales.
Per The Washington Post, before Qatar’s neighbors’ shut them out, Qatar Airways flights would regularly pass through Saudi and Emirati airspace. In fact, a full 18 per cent of the airline’s flights were to the four countries leading the blockade.
Bahrain’s airspace practically encircles Qatar, initially threatening the entire Qatar airline. If it wasn’t for Bahrain – who has allowed Qatar Airways access to two routes – one for incoming and one for outgoing- the airline would literally be grounded, as you can see in this map from Washington Post:
Speaking at the IATA annual conference in Cancun, Qantas’ International Chief Executive Gareth Evans told The Australian the airline was examining the fallout between its partner airlines and Qatar.
The ban could mean Qataris could be prevented from flying on Qantas flights, as Qatari nationals won’t even be allowed to transit and change planes in any of the banned countries.
Qataris who can’t travel through the Middle East would be offered alternative travel or refunds, a Qantas exec told The Oz.
“Obviously we’ve got a relationship with Qatar with OneWorld but we don’t codeshare with Qatar,” Evans said.
“So the impact on our operation and network is very, very minimal.”
Qantas codeshares with Emirates, with the two airlines flying 13 times a day from Australia to Dubai, and provide ‘one-stop’ access to destinations across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
“The main issue, and this is developing as we speak, is the UAE has banned Qatari nationals from transiting through the UAE,” Evans added.
“We are looking to see it that affects any passengers. If it does, it will be a very small number anyway and we will offer them alternatives and refunds.”
Qatar Airways has made a big play into Australia recently, with its Sydney route launching just over a year ago, its direct Adelaide to Doha route in May 2016, and a spate of other Aussie routes on the agenda.
Meanwhile, its brand new “revolutionary” QSuite Business Class, which features the industry’s first-ever double bed available in Business Class, with privacy panels that stow away, allowing passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private room.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
-
Latest comments
Latest News
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.
You could say the same about BA.
who would ever book any arab airline ever again !!!