Emirates, Etihad to suspend flights to Qatar amid growing diplomatic rift in the gulf
BREAKING: Long-haul carrier Emirates says it will suspend all flights to Qatar beginning Tuesday until further notice.
— The Associated Press (@AP) June 5, 2017
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways on Monday announced that it will cancel all flights to Qatar as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and UAE cut ties with Qatar.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain ended diplomatic relations and all land sea and air contacts with fellow Gulf Arab state Qatar over allegations that Qatar is encouraging terrorism and extremism.
Riyadh accused Qatar of backing terrorism and extremism, while Bahrain charged Qatar with interfering in it internal affairs, according to a report published by The Guardian.
Saudi Arabia had decided to sever diplomatic and consular relations with Qatar “proceeding from the exercise of its sovereign right guaranteed by international law and the protection of national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism,” the report said.
Qatar says there is “no legitimate justification” for four Arab nations cutting diplomatic ties to it.
Qatar also says the decision is a “violation of its sovereignty,” vowing to its citizens it won’t affect them.
The airlines announced that its June 5th flights will operate as scheduled nut starting 6th June all flights from Doha will be suspended. The airline is providing a full refund on unused tickets and free rebooking to the nearest alternate Etihad Airways destinations to all customers who are booked on Etihad Airways flights to and from Doha.
