Flight restriction not lifted though Gulf crisis ‘ended’

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister confirmed that the kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain reopened their air, land and sea borders to Qatar after the countries ended their three-year siege, Al Jazeera reports.

However, Qatar Airways is waiting an NOTAM (“notice to airmen”) clearly stating that these airspace restrictions no longer apply.

Breaking: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain & Egypt will reopen airspace to Qatar following a 3.5 year blockade.

• All of the countries will restore full diplomatic relations with #Qatar

• Overflight above those nations is set resume for Qatari jets – waiting for NOTAM updates. pic.twitter.com/xYlQS0f1Pf

— Alex Macheras (@AlexInAir) January 5, 2021

In June 2017, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt launched a siege of Qatar, closing their air, sea and land borders with the Gulf state, accusing it of supporting terrorism. Doha denied the charges and said the move as an attack on its sovereignty.

Doha was later set 13 demands, ranging from closing Al Jazeera television and shuttering a Turkish base to cutting links to the Muslim Brotherhood and downgrading ties with Iran, in order for relations to be restored.

To date, none of the demands have been met. However, measures were announced on Monday to finalise reconciliation among member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), this would see all land, sea and air access reopened.

READ: Turkey FM welcomes end of Gulf crisis