New EU open skies deal with Qatar includes initial capacity caps

European Union regulators have signed an air transport services agreement with Qatar which includes capacity caps in some key markets before full access is implemented in 2024. Specifically, the wide-ranging agreement initially limits the number of flights that carriers from either side can operate from five European markets – Belgium, Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands – before a “gradual build-up” in capacity to 2024. The agreement also includes commitments from both sides to “fair competition” and covers “social and environmental protection”. European transport commissioner Adina Valean says: ”This agreement, the first one between the EU and the Gulf region, is a global benchmark for forward-looking aviation agreements. This agreement will bring new opportunities, more choice and higher standards for passengers, industry and aviation workers.” The EC secured a mandate to negotiate an EU-wide air services deal – which will replace existing bilateral agreements – with Qatar in 2016. The negotiations were set against the backdrop of “level playing field” concerns previously voiced by some EU carriers and the rapid growth of Qatar Airways. That has seen Qatar grow to become the 15th largest aviation market with the EU, in which 6.3m passengers travelled in 2019.<br/>