The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Gulf Today Report

The UAE General Authority of Civil Aviation announced the reopening of airspace and the resumption of air traffic between the UAE and the State of Qatar, starting on Jan.9, Saturday, following the signing of the Al-Ula Declaration that included a permanent solidarity agreement.

The authority said that it would resume scheduled and unscheduled flights between the two countries in coordination with the civil aviation authorities and national airlines in the UAE.

The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed the signing of the Al-Ula declaration, which witnessed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and the Arab Republic of Egypt reopening the air, land and sea borders with the State of Qatar, stressing that this paves the way for airlines to resume links with the regional and global air carrier that reduces flight times, reduces operating costs for airlines, and provides essential air links that support the travel and tourism industry throughout the region.

The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Mohammed Ali Al-Bakri, Vice President of the International Air Transport Association in Africa and the Middle East, said: “The reopening of airspace with the State of Qatar is good news for travellers and the air transport sector, especially during these critical times, as the direct route of flights will facilitate the transportation process. Particularly with the coronavirus vaccine distributed globally, given the importance of the strategic location of the region and the airspace linking continents.

Al-Bakri added, "This agreement will contribute to operating direct routes between these countries, which will save travellers a great deal of time."