Qatar Airways to operate normal flight services and Doha International Airport to remain open

Should there be conflict in Iraq, Doha International Airport is to remain open and Qatar Airways will continue with its normal flight schedule Mr Akbar Al Baker, Doha International Airport and Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, announced today.

Mr Akbar was commenting on the situation given the current tension between the US and Iraq, and obvious concern among the travelling public around the world which has forced other airlines and airports to revise their schedules. Mr Akbar said, "I want to assure people that Doha International Airport will remain open should there be any hostilities and that Qatar Airways will operate our flights as per schedule.

Mr Akbar said that like other airlines Qatar Airways will use air routes that are approved and published by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), air routes such as over Iran to Europe. He commented "There are also contingency routes over Saudi Arabia that we have the option to use, that are safe and will circumvent any area of conflict.

Authorities have said that Security has been tightened at the airport to ensure the safety of all passengers.