Qatar Airways faces major losses as blockade enters second year

© Paul Cowan

The blockade on Qatar is now entering its second year – with no sign of conclusion. Qatar Airways, which has been forced to discontinue some local operations and re-route other flights, has warned it could announce a “very large loss” in its annual results. CEO Akbar Al Baker, who in February brought to an end the dispute between Qatar and the US over open skies and funding, has said the airline may need a government bailout. This would no doubt irritate the US, which insisted the carrier release audited statements and be more transparent.

Meanwhile, in the UAE, which has also pledged not to give its airlines subsidies as part of the US agreement, Etihad is looking to raise debt to help finance aircraft deliveries. RFPs have gone to the banks for financing for 787s and “one cargo plane”, according to BusinessInsider.