Egypt reopens airspace and resumes flights with Qatar

Egypt on Tuesday reopened its airspace with Qatar and announced the resumption of flights between the two countries.

“The decision allows EgyptAir and Qatar Airways, as well as other Qatari airlines, to resume air traffic and send flight operating schedules to the Egyptian and Qatari civil aviation authorities for approval,” Ahram Gate reported, quoting the head of the Egyptian civil aviation authority Ashraf Noyer as saying.

The decision comes days after Egypt had signed the AlUla declaration at the GCC Summit held in Saudi Arabia last week, in which the Kingdom announced a breakthrough in ending a bitter dispute between Gulf Arab states and Qatar. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister said at the summit that Riyadh and its allies would restore all ties with Doha severed in mid-2017.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry headed to Saudi Arabia to participate in the 41st GCC Summit and sign the declaration.
Signing the declaration was in line with Egypt’s continued support and solidarity with the countries of the Arab Quartet, and in an effort to enhance joint Arab action in facing the grave challenges in the region, Minister Shoukry said.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have also announced reopening their borders with Qatar as well as the resumption of flights.