Qatar Airways suspends all flights to Saudi, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt

UAE and Saudi airlines have also suspended flights to Qatar

by Aarti Nagraj

June 5, 2017

Qatar Airways has confirmed suspension of flights to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt as the rift between the Arab countries intensifies.

In a travel alert posted on its website, the airline confirmed that it would stop operating to the four countries from June 6.

“Qatar Airways has suspended all flights to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia until further notice,” it said.

Meanwhile flights to and from the UAE and Bahrain have been suspended from Tuesday, June 6 (3am Doha time) until further notice.

The flights to Egypt will be suspended from 7am on June 6.

“All customers booked on affected flights will be provided with alternative options, including the option of a full refund on any unused tickets and free rebooking to the nearest alternative Qatar Airways network destination,” the airline said.

Several Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain severed all ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing the Gulf state or supporting terrorism.

The kingdom has closed its land border with Qatar and all the three countries have also suspended air and sea port connectivity with Qatar.

The decision also forbids Saudi, UAE and Bahraini citizens from travelling to Qatar, residing in it or passing through it, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said. Residents and visitors of those countries must leave Qatar within 14 days. Qatari citizens have 14 days to leave Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar.

All the UAE airlines including Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia have suspended flights to and from Qatar from Tuesday, June 6.

The move is anticipated to have a major impact on corporate and business travellers who frequently fly between the UAE and Qatar.

Travel agencies operating out of the UAE, who regularly use Qatar Airways for arranging holiday packages, are also expected to be hit by the move.

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