PETALING JAYA, June 7 — Qatar Airways has been urged to fulfil its obligations to Malaysian travellers inspite of the restrictions it now faces following a diplomatic row with its neighbours.
Deputy Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said Malaysians were protected by the Malaysia Aviation Consumer Code 2016.
“In the case of flight cancellations, Qatar Airways would need to find alternative flights for their passengers and cover damages caused by such incidents,” she said yesterday.
“The airliner is bound by the Malaysia Aviation Consumer Code 2016 and the Malaysian Aviation Commission Act 2015.”
Mas Ermieyati said failure by the airliner to do this would result in it facing action from the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom).
She said the government was monitoring the situation between Qatar and Saudi Arabia and collecting information on whether there would be flight cancellations by Qatar Airways.
“The ministry will work closely with Mavcom, especially on how Qatar Airlines would deal with Malaysians travelling with them,” she said.
“Any further plan of action will be taken by the government and announced when necessary.”
Geopolitical expert Azmi Hassan said although airspace had been closed, neighbouring countries of Qatar have no right to prohibit any commercial airlines, including Qatar Airways, due to their responsibility as International Air Transport Association (IATA) members.
However, he said, since Saudi Arabia is not a member of IATA, Qatar Airways would face problems of landing in Saudi Arabia as the country can restrict landing rights.
“It is going to be a problem for Qatar Airways ticket holders travelling to Saudi Arabia,” he said.
