The International Air Transport Association (IATA) summit has opened in Doha, with delgates from countries around the world coming together to talk about the future of aviation in one of fastest growing markets. Notably absent however are the rest of the Gulf states (except for neutral Oman) with Qatar embroiled in a diplomatic standoff with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt and other Arab countries who have accused Doha of state-sponsored support of terrorism.
Aviation analyst Alex Macheras said it is significant that the summit is being held in Doha, as it shows international support after other Arab states severed diplomatic ties and imposed an air, sea and land blockade of the country in June 2017.
He told Verdict: It is very significant that this IATA conference is being held in Doha Qatar. If only to mark the fact that delegates and those from the international aviation community around the world have gathered today in the state of Qatar. Many people refer to the Middle East as being the area of the world where they forecast the most aviation growth, and where everything is booming, more often than not it’s more to do with Qatar specifically. I don’t think there is a sense that there is any absence of Gulf states here at this conference, purely because when people refer to aviation growth in the Middle East its more to do with Qatar specifically.
It does show the slowdown in neighbouring countries, which was predicted long-ago.Emirates Airline’s profits plummeted 82% to Dh1.3bn ($340m) for the 2016-17 financial year as the Gulf carriers grapple with political and economic headwinds after years of growth.
Macheras added: You have Etihad, the flight carrier of the UAE who are financially struggling more than any airline in the world; you have Emirates which is starting to slow down and cut many routes, despite still taking on more aircraft. In terms of absence and Gulf states not here, I don’t think it has been noticed.
