DUBAI: The four Arab states that have cut diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar say they have opened up “emergency routes” for Qatari planes to use.
The United Arab Emirates’ foreign ministry said on Monday that the nine corridors were being opened in coordination with the International Civil Aviation Organization, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
It says the routes include overseas areas managed by the UAE and one over the Mediterranean, managed by Egypt.
The Anti-Terror Quartet (ATQ) — comprising Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt and Bahrain — cut links with Qatar in early June over allegations it supports extremists. Qatar denies the charge.
The move forced state-backed Qatar Airways, one of the region’s biggest airlines, to reroute many of its flights and scrap frequent routes to major regional destinations such as Dubai.