The International Air Transport Association welcomes the opening of the skies between Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed the signing of the Al-Ula statement “Solidarity and Stability” during the 41st session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council “Summit of Sultan Qaboos and Sheikh Sabah, which saw the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt reopen the borders Air, land and sea with the State of Qatar.
This agreement paves the way for airlines to resume regional and global air connectivity, which reduces flight times, reduces operational costs for airlines, and provides essential air links that support the tourism and travel industry throughout the region, said Muhammad Ali Al-Bakri, Vice President of the International Air Transport Association in Africa and the Middle East. “The reopening of airspace with the State of Qatar by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and the Arab Republic of Egypt is good news for travelers and the air transport sector, especially during these critical times, as the direct route of flights will facilitate the transportation and distribution of the Corona vaccine globally. , Given the importance of the strategic location of the region and the airspace linking continents.
Al-Bakri added: “This agreement will contribute to operating direct routes between these countries, which will save travelers a great deal of time, as previous flights have seen an increase in the original flight time from 40 minutes to more than 5 hours in some cases. In addition, the direct routes will help reduce the operational cost for airlines, which will contribute to helping them face the challenges resulting from the Corona virus.
Al-Bakri added, "We are looking forward to opening up airspace among the most important markets in the aviation industry regionally and globally, which in turn will pave the way for the establishment of safe travel corridors free of quarantine requirements between these countries, which will allow families and friends throughout the region to restore contact easier."
