Australia and Qatar are at loggerheads over Qatar Airways’ new planes

A new controversy has arisen between Qatar Airways and the Australian Government. The Qatari company has requested to benefit from additional frequencies between Doha and Australia. Qatar Airways currently offers 35 weekly frequencies, serving five cities: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.. That means two daily flights to Melbourne (including an extension to Adelaide) and one daily flight to Brisbane, Perth and Sydney.

Qatar Airways intends to acquire 21 additional aircraft. This will allow him doubling its frequencies in Sydney and Brisbane. There is talk of a third daily flight to Melbourne or splitting the city from Adelaide. The connection between the two airports is virtually empty except for passengers whose final destination is the capital of South Australia.

Apart from Transport Minister Catherine King’s refusal to provide its new frequencies… It drives the country’s national interest – namely the safety of Qantas, a national company. But also Mistreatment of Australian women Through security at Doha Hamad International Airport in October 2020. The minister described the gynecological examinations carried out at the airport as invasive.

Following the incident, five female victims sued Qatar Airways and the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. A letter from lawyers to Catherine King, ” Qatar Airways is not suitable for carrying passengers around the world, not just to major Australian airports“So that would have affected the minister’s decision.

End of crisis in sight?

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker from He stepped up to the plateHe recalled the role played by Qatar Covid. The company continues to connect Australia with the rest of the world, while Qantas has grounded all its flights. ” It is very unfair that our demand is not accepted“said Akbar Al Baker. It appears the Australian government is now trying to find a way that is favorable to both Australia and Qatar. If QR finally gets approval for more flights, it won’t be for months…

In total, Three Gulf airlines – Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways – offer up to 16 daily flights to Australia.. Emirates is very active in Australia with 8 daily flights to 4 cities. Etihad offers 3 daily flights in addition to Qatar Airways’ 5 flights.