June 2, 2017 - On Monday, the governments of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain announced that they have severed diplomatic relations with Qatar.
Caught in the diplomatic crisis is the country's national airlines, Qatar Airways.
All three Gulf nations have refused the Qatari airline access to its airspace.
The three Persian Gulf governments accuse Qatar of destabilizing the region's security through its support of the Islamic Brotherhood, ISIS, and Iran.
In a statement, the UAE's Ministry's Foreign of Affairs & International Cooperation wrote:
"In support of the statements issued by the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain and sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates severs all relations with the State of Qatar, including breaking off diplomatic relations, and gives Qatari diplomats 48 hours to leave the UAE. Closure of UAE airspace and seaports for all Qataris in 24 hours and banning all Qatari means of transportation, coming to or leaving the UAE, from crossing, entering or leaving the UAE territories, and taking all legal measures in collaboration with friendly countries and international companies with regards to Qataris using the UAE airspace and territorial waters, from and to Qatar, for national security considerations."
While the countries are free to refuse landing rights, it is unclear if Bahrain and the UAE can legally ban Qatar Airways from its airspace. As signatories to the International Air Services Transport Agreement, Bahrain the UAE can't legally shut off its airspace to fellow signatory Qatar.
Saudi Arabia is not an IASTA member country and can legally shut Qatar Airways out of its airspace.
Suspension Details:
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Qatar Airways has suspended all flights to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia until further notice.
UAE: Qatar Airways has suspended all flights to the UAE from 00:00 UTC June 6th (03:00 Doha time, June 6th) until further notice. Flights QR1020, QR1021, QR1054, QR1055, QR1034, QR1035, QR 1036, QR1037, QR1018, QR1019, QR1014 and QR1015 to and from the UAE on June 5th will operate as planned and remain unaffected.
Kingdom of Bahrain: Qatar Airways has suspended all flights to the Kingdom of Bahrain from 00:00 UTC June 6th(03:00 Doha time, June 6th) until further notice. Flights QR1106, QR1107, QR1108 and QR1109 to and from the Kingdom of Bahrain on June 5th will operate as planned and remain unaffected.
Egypt: Qatar Airways has suspended all flights to Egypt from 04:00 UTC June 6th (07:00 Doha time, June 6th) until further notice. Flights QR1302 and QR1318 from Egypt on June 5th will operate as planned and remain unaffected.
All customers booked on affected flights will be provided with alternative options, including the option of a full refund on any unused tickets and free rebooking to the nearest alternative Qatar Airways network destination.
BDP International will continue to monitor the situation, and keep customers apprised of any updates.
Source: Business Insider, Qatar Airways, BDP International
