Qatar Airways

The diplomatic crisis between Qatar and other Gulf states escalated further on June 9 as Doha dismissed as "baseless" a terrorist blacklist drawn up by Saudi Arabia and its allies.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain - which accuse Qatar of supporting Islamist extremist groups - released the list of 59 people and entities linked to "terrorism."

After Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and United Arab Emirates (UAE) closed their airspace, only one narrow route remains for Qatari carriers to transport passengers - via Iran.

The move has caused serious problems for the country's airlines.

A bust-up between Arab powers has dealt a blow to supercarriers already hurt by low oil prices and laptop bans, exposing the sensitivity of Gulf hubs to regional uncertainty and creating openings for rival airlines - at least in the short term.

Turkish exporters are ready to meet demand for food and water from Qatar, the head of Turkey's main exporting trade body told Reuters on June 7, allowing the Gulf state to stave off possible shortages after its biggest suppliers cut ties.
   

Six Arab nations cut diplomatic ties to Qatar early on June 5 morning, further deepening a rift among Gulf Arab nations over that country's support for Islamist groups and its relations with Iran.
     

New Zealand is considering restrictions on laptops and other large electronic devices on flights from some Muslim-majority countries in the Middle East, the country's prime minister said on April 24.

The new rules would follow similar measures introduced last month by the United States, Britain and Australia.

Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways are lending some passengers laptop computers and tablets to use on board following the U.S. ban on most electronics devices from being taken into the cabin on United States-bound flights.

The French and German flag carriers have urged the European Commission to counter what they say are unfair practices by Gulf airlines, seeking to influence the drafting of a new EU law.

The Dubai Airshow took off yesterday to a slow start amid expectations for a record low in sales as the Gulf's main airlines have already placed large orders with major manufacturers.

"Due to large previous orders, the total show order tally this year will be much less than years prior," said Ben Moores, senior analyst at IHS Aerospace, Defense & Security.

Romania's cash-strapped national airline, Tarom, is to open preliminary talks with several companies interested in restructuring and taking a significant stake in the state-controlled company.