DOHA, April 24 (Xinhua) -- International aviation agencies are working to restore the air link between Qatar and its Gulf neighbors which was severed 11 months ago, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said Tuesday.
The remarks were made by IATA senior Vice President Nick Careen on the sidelines of the 31st IATA Ground Handling Conference held in Doha, Qatari newspaper "Qatar Tribune'' reported.
Careen stressed that IATA is collaborating with United Nations' International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other global organizations, to resolve the ongoing restrictions on air routes between Qatar and the other Arab countries since the Gulf crisis began.
"Our position on this issue has been clear from the very beginning. We want an amicable solution to this crisis, and the ongoing IATA conference in Doha would contribute to it," Careen said.
"I think the wider ban and the actual blockade is something political and does not concern aviation. Unfortunately, it is adversely impacting aviation," he added.
The conference, which is hosted by Qatar Airways in Doha from April 23-25, is the first of its kind to take place in the Middle East. More than 700 international delegates and guests are participating in the conference.
On June 5, 2017, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar, accusing Doha of supporting "terrorism" while Qatar strongly rejected the allegations.
