Three airlines have asked the US government not to restrict flights by Qatar Airways or Air Italy to the US because of the potential impact on other global airline agreements. The move comes after a series of diplomatic incidents between Washington and Qatar, including an alleged bomb plot against Qatari officials in New York last month. Now JetBlue Airways, FedEx and Atlas Worldwide say a restriction on Qatar could fuel retaliation against US airlines. However, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Continental say they are worried Qatar Airways is violating its deal with the US.
Three airlines have asked the US government not to restrict flights by Qatar Airways or Air Italy to the US because of the potential impact on other global airline agreements. US lawmakers have said Qatar Airlines’ deal to buy 49% of Air Italy could have broken an agreement Qatar had made not to add new flights. Now JetBlue Airways, FedEx and Atlas Worldwide say a restriction on Qatar could fuel retaliation against US airlines. However, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Continental say they are worried Qatar Airways is violating its deal with the US.