EU AND QATAR IMPLEMENT OPEN SKY AGREEMENT
Since October 18, previous bilateral agreements between individual member countries of the European Union and the State of Qatar have been replaced by a comprehensive single EU/Qatar air agreement which provides a complete open-sky.
The new EU/Qatar air agreement provides a single, modern framework for air services between the EU and Qatar. The agreement provides a single set of rules with strong provisions for fair competition, consumers protection and a platform for future cooperation on a wide range of aviation issues (safety, security, air traffic management (ATM) etc.).
The agreement ensures that new traffic rights will gradually be made available, providing new business opportunities for European companies, and ensures fair and transparent market conditions, based on a clear regulatory framework. Global connectivity is a driver of trade and tourism, and contributes directly to economic growth and job creation.
For travellers, the agreement opens the door to the establishment of new air routes between Qatar and the EU. However, it prohibits fifth freedom traffic rights, such as the possibility for an airline to fly from Brussels to Doha and continue on to Delhi. The open sky is likely to translate into new routes in the EU’s largest countries such as France, Germany, Italy or Spain. These countries are still controlling capacities and flights to and from Doha.
More flights from France, Germany, Italy and Spain in the short-term
The agreement sees a gradual market opening for Belgium, Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands prior to a full liberalisation. For the IATA winter season 2021/2022, the new framework foresees:
- Belgium: 24 weekly services between Qatar and Belgium.
- France: 27 weekly services between Qatar and Paris, 14 weekly services between Qatar and Nice, 14 weekly services between Qatar and Lyon, and 14 weekly services between Qatar and each of all other points in France.
- Germany: 21 weekly services between Qatar and Frankfurt, 21 weekly services between Qatar and Munich, and 14 weekly services between Qatar and each of all other points in Germany.
- Italy: 84 weekly services between Qatar and Italy.
- The Netherlands: 14 weekly services between Qatar and Amsterdam, and 14 weekly services between Qatar and each of all other points in The Netherlands.
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