Y Magazine reported that during a media roundtable held on Monday (March 25) in Muscat, Oman, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker confirmed that there were no talks with the Omani government to establish a hub at Sohar Airport—a strategic cargo location between the Sultanate and the State of Qatar.

“We do not have hubs in other countries to not undermine national carriers,” he said, adding that Qatar Airways encourages local airlines to grow in their home base.

Al Baker also revealed that Qatar and Oman have plans to introduce a joint visa system which allows visitors to one of the two countries to travel to the other under the same visa.

“Both Oman and Qatar have not properly realized the potential of tourism,” he said, explaining that both countries have a lot to offer in terms of nature and culture.

Talking about the effect of the blockade against Qatar by neighbouring GCC countries on Qatar Airways business, Al Baker said that the airspace blockade has caused a delay of 20 minutes on average for all flights.

However, he announced that the airlines have added 24 new destinations since the blockade began in May 2017.

Qatar Airways flights will land at Duqm Airport in 2019 as per the company’s expansion plans, according to Al Baker.

Currently, Qatar Airways operates daily flights to Muscat, Salalah, and Sohar in the Sultanate.

How does this news sound to you? Do you think a joint Qatar and Oman VISA system would further strengthen the two Gulf countries' diplomatic ties? Drop us a line in the comments and also, don't forget to like and share this article—it keeps us going!

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Sonkie

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