Qatar Airways files $69m loss amid Gulf crisis – Punch Newspapers

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The tiny Gulf emirate’s national airline said the period had been “the most challenging year in its 20-year history.”

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Saudi Arabia and its allies broke off diplomatic relations with gas-rich Qatar on June 5, 2017.

They closed all land, sea and air links with the emirate over its alleged proximity to Saudi Arabia’s arch-enemy Iran and support for radical Islamist groups.

Qatar has refuted the accusations, saying its Gulf Arab rivals are trying to seize control of Doha’s foreign policy.

In a statement, Qatar Airways said the blockade had directly impacted its revenues, slashing seat occupancy on flights leaving Qatar by some 19 per cent.

It said its fleet had been forced to ply longer routes, raising fuel costs, as well as cancelling flights to 18 destinations.

The airline opened 14 new routes over…



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