Qatar Airways CEO warns those turning their backs on Qatar

FARNBOROUGH – During the past year, Qatar Airways has had to face the financial difficulties resulting from a blockade instituted by the Middle East's neighbors of the country of origin.

However, even though the airline is adapting to life with the blockade in place, the man in charge of Qatar Airways does not think that the political climate that caused the war is going to be safe. improve in the near future. In fact, things can get worse, he said.

"I do not think it will be any better, on the contrary, they are trying to make things more difficult," Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker told Farnborough International Airshow 2018 in England.

The controversial executive chief also accused opponents of Qatar of "intimidating" suppliers, manufacturers and even banks to flee the country and its national airline.

While Al Baker understands that businesses must do what is best for their individual interest, he also hinted that there could be consequences for those who capitulate .

"In the end, it is a business decision that companies must take from where they have an interest," said Al Baker. "They should also know that if they force opponents, when things return to normal, we will remember them."

The Qatar CEO refused to identify the party or parties who were guilty of the alleged conduct.

Since June 2017, several neighbors of the Persian Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, have cut off all relations with the nation. Points of disagreement include Qatar's close ties to Iran, the alleged financing of terrorists, and the country's controversial Al Jazeera information network.

Therefore, Qatar Airways and all Qatar-registered aircraft can not enter their respective airspace.

This allowed Qatar Airways to leave two of its largest markets in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

He also forced the country's national airline to use motorized roads that increase both the duration and costs of its flights.

For example, the airline's service between the Qatari capital of Doha and Sao Paulo, Brazil, now requires an additional hour and 45 minutes of flight because its planes must fly around Yemeni airspace controlled by Saudi Arabia.