Qatar Airways ‘shocked’ Australian government blocked request for extra flights

Airline tells inquiry it learned of transport minister’s decision through media reports, a claim denied by the Albanese government

Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Qatar Airways was “surprised and shocked” that the Australian government “unfairly” rejected its request to expand in Australia, its executives have told a Senate inquiry, as they insist an infamous 2020 incident at Doha airport will never be repeated.

In the airline’s first public appearance in Australia to discuss the rejected request, executives said they first learned of the transport minister, Catherine King’s decision via media reports, a claim the government has disputed.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup

Continue reading…

About Author