Qatar Airways Expects to Operate 1,800 Flights In The Next Two Weeks

Qatar Airways’ CEO believes the carrier will complete around 1,800 flights in the next two weeks as Governments around the world ask airlines to repatriate their citizens who have been left stranded across the globe.

The carrier has flights scheduled to Europe, Asia and the United States on the requests of Governments, says Baker. However, the occupancy rate is less than 50% for these routes, meaning the income is not that great.

Despite the short-term for its services, Baker warns that Qatar Airways is burning through cash and it is the question of when not if, will the carrier request support from its government.

Similar to other airlines, Qatar Airways asked staff to take paid and unpaid leave while Baker himself has relinquished his salary until the situation returns to normal.

Invezz reported earlier that Qatar’s competitor, Etihad, cancelled almost all passenger flights due to the coronavirus impact on travel demand, except for repatriation flights requested from governments.

“Having receiving requests from governments and customers to support the repatriation of travellers, Emirates will continue to operate passenger and cargo flights to the following countries until further notice, as long as borders remain open, and there is demand: the UK, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Japan, Singapore, Australia, South Africa, USA, and Canada,” Etihad said in a statement last Sunday.