Qatar Airways chief says Australia’s decision to block flights ‘very unfair’ after pandemic support

Qatar Airways chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, spoke to CNN as the US approved more flights into the country Photograph: Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters

Qatar Airways says the Australian government’s decision to block its request for extra flights was “very unfair” given the airline’s support for Australians during the pandemic.

The airline’s bid to fly an extra 21 services into Australia’s major airports was rejected with ministers citing a range of reasons including it being contrary to the national interest.