The International Air Transport Association welcomed the Middle Eastern countries' move to resume travel opportunities with Qatar and other Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. Thereby, opening their air, land, and sea borders with Qatar.

Muhammad Al Bakri, Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, IATA said, "The reopening of airspace with Qatar by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, and Egypt is welcome news for the region, passengers and the aviation industry during these challenging times. It will permit the resumption of direct flights between these countries and Qatar, eliminating complex transit travel itineraries that saw typical journey times increase from under an hour to over five hours in some cases."

"The agreement also opens the door for the establishment of quarantine-free travel corridors, which will allow families and friends across the region to be able to reconnect and businesses trade more easily. And will facilitate the transportation of COVID-19 vaccines globally given the region's strategic location," he concluded.

The International Air Transport Association appreciates the signing of the 'solidarity and stability' agreement that will initiate the resumption of flight with Qatar by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, and Egypt—thereby opening their air, land, and sea borders with Qatar.

The agreement will resume regional connectivity through commercial airlines, shortening the flight times and providing an essential connection.