In his first public comments on Qatar’s rejected bid since the controversy over competition embroiled the Albanese government, Akbar Al Baker told CNN the airline had done a lot for Australia during the pandemic.
The chief executive of Qatar Airways has described Transport Minister Catherine King’s move to block the airline’s bid for more flights in Australia as surprising and unfair ahead of a Senate probe into the decision.
“During the COVID period when the national carrier and their partners completely stopped operating [in] Australia, we were there for the people of Australia.” The minister revealed the strip-searching of a group of Australian women at Doha Airport in October 2020 was a factor in her decision.She also said it was “absolute nonsense” that competition in Australia’s international aviation market relied solely on Qatar.On Thursday, King – who has since gone on two weeks’ leave – claimed public interest immunity in withholding documents relating to her decision following an order for production from the Senate.
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