Qatar Airways criticizes Anthony Albanese for blocking flights
- Qatar boss responds to blocking of flights to Australia
- Airline blocked from operating more planes
Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker has described the Albanian government’s decision to deny more flights for the airline as “very unfair”, ahead of an upcoming investigation into the appeal.
Appearing on US channel CNN overnight, the global aviation boss said he was “very surprised” that the government had blocked a number of additional Qatar Airways flights in July and that he had confidence in an investigation of the Senate to find out why this happened.
“We can never influence a government decision, but the fact remains that we were very surprised to see these flights blocked, or not approved, I can say that. There is a parliamentary inquiry and it is very difficult to comment on,” said Mr. Al Baker. .
Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker has described the Albanian government’s decision to refuse more flights for the airline as “very unfair”, ahead of an upcoming investigation into the appeal.
Appearing on US channel CNN overnight, the global aviation boss said he was “very surprised” that the government had blocked a number of additional Qatar Airways flights in July and put his faith in a Senate investigation to find out why this happened.
Mr Al Baker said Qatar Airways had supported Australia during the Covid-19 pandemic and helped repatriate “stranded citizens” from around the world and out of the country.
“When the national carrier and its partners completely stopped their operations in Australia. We were there for the Australian people,” he said.
Mr Al Baker said he had full confidence in an inquiry to investigate the call to reject Qatar’s bid, which is due to begin next week.
“We will have to wait and see what conclusion they come to,” he said.
Qatar Airways’ response follows weeks of tension in Parliament following Transport Minister Catherine King’s decision to block the airline’s application for 21 additional services in July.
Mr Al Baker said Qatar Airways had supported Australia during the Covid-19 pandemic and helped repatriate “stranded citizens” from around the world and out of the country.
Ms King insisted she had made the decision in the “national interest” and revealed she had spoken to the Prime Minister “before the decision was made public” on July 18.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Ms King have come under scrutiny from the opposition and independent MPs in recent days, with ministers saying they want more details about what influenced the decision.
The Senate hearings will begin on Tuesday and will examine “all federal government decisions relating to bilateral Commonwealth Air Services Agreements” over the past 12 months, with the final report expected in October.
Former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce will appear at the hearings, including his successor Vanessa Hudson, as well as officials from Qatar Airways, Virgin Australia and regional airline Rex.
