The absence of Qatar Airways from The Dubai Air Show, which will be held from 12th to 16th of November, made the diplomatic fallout between Qatar and four Arab nations more evident. Being one of the region’s largest long-haul carriers, Qatar Airways previously had played a big role in the Dubai Air Show, reserving a large pavilion and displaying its latest aircraft to visitors.
Since June, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain cut ties with Qatar over its ties with Iran and its support of Islamist groups, accusing the small Gulf state of supporting extremists, charges it denies.
Many of the Airbus A320s grounded because they could not fly to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain or Egypt were used flying for British Airways during a cabin-crew strike by members of the Unite union in the UK this summer.
However, the two major rivals of UAE airlines, Emirates and Etihad are still locked in the battle for passengers with the carrier funded by the Qatari state and run by Akbar Al Baker. They are facing issues with the financial performances slump with the intensification of the external threats and competition.
On the opening day of the air show, Emirates, which is known as the oldest, biggest and most successful of the “Middle East 3” stole the stage. Amidst all these made the geo-political row, Emirates unveiled new, state-of-the-art, first class private suites.