Qatar standoff has repercussions for all Middle East carriers

Qatar standoff has repercussions for all Middle East carriers

The continuing diplomatic dispute between Qatar and some of its neighbours will have a negative impact on the travel industry across the Middle East, says the Top 100 City Destination Ranking WTM London 2017 Edition.

The report, from Euromonitor International, says there will be “no winners amongst the Middle East airlines”.

In early June, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt ended diplomatic ties with Qatar and imposed a land, air and sea blockade on it. As a result, direct and connecting flight schedules to, from and via Qatar have been hit.

Qatar Airways is the main loser in the turmoil with 30% of its revenues under threat, the report says.

However, all carriers in the region will see a reduction in demand while the restrictions remain in place. The other major airlines – Etihad and Emirates – have significant exposure to the Qatar market and are likely to suffer financially as well.

These three airlines have been among the fastest growing, biggest spending and highest profile global carriers over the past twenty years.

Elsewhere, Qatar’s capital, Doha, is ranked 64th in the Euromonitor Top 100 City Ranking. The 2017 international arrivals number is tipped to increase by 3.8% on 2016’s return, breaking through the three million barrier.  By 2020 this figure will reach 3.4 million and by 2025 it could be 4.5 million.

WTM London, Senior Director, Simon Press, said: “Qatar, Etihad and Emirates are among the world’s leading airlines and have helped the economic prosperity of the region to grow in recent years. Hopefully the current situation will be addressed and the region’s travel industry can return to growth, investment and innovation.”

ENDS

 

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