Saudi Arabia has banned Qatar Airways from operating in the country, the latest move in the diplomatic row between the two countries.
Saudi Arabia’s aviation authority formally withdrew Qatar’s licence to land and fly in the country on Tuesday, ordering the airline’s offices to to be closed within 48 hours. The airline is wholly owned by the Qatari government, employing more than 40,000 people worldwide.
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates are currently in the midst of a political rift with Qatar, in one of the worst crises the region has seen in years. The four countries have accused Qatar of supporting terrorism and destabilising the region, accusations that have been rejected by Qatar.
“The state of Qatar has been subjected to a campaign of lies that have reached the point of complete fabrication. It reveals a hidden plan to undermine the state of Qatar.”